Galashiels McDonald’s to reopen next week

The US fast-food giant has announced that all of its drive-throughs in the UK and Ireland will be back in business by next Thursday, June 4.

All will open between Tuesday and Thursday of next week, although which of those three days will see its Wilderhaugh restaurant in Galashiels back in business has yet to be confirmed.

The move comes after McDonald’s reopened more than 40 of its drive-through outlets in southern England and Ireland last week following their closure in March as the coronavirus lockdown first came into force.

A McDonald’s spokesperson said: “This means every drive-through in the UK and Ireland will reopen between Tuesday and Thursday next week and we will start to expand the availability of McDelivery too.

“This is only possible following the hard work of the teams in our 44 pilot restaurants.

“Face coverings, gloves, Perspex screens and new safety guidelines means the branch will look somewhat different and customers have been advised that service will take a little longer, with smaller staff teams and a reduced menu.

“In the last week, on occasion, we have taken the decision to close drive-through lanes where demand has impacted on local communities or the safety of our people or customers.

“We will continue to work with local authorities and the police as we extend our reopening plans.

“With smaller teams, we will still be offering a limited menu over reduced hours, and we ask that you make contactless payments and limit your spend to £25.

“We are continuing to review these measures as we reopen, but for now, these restrictions remain in place to help our employees, customers and delivery partner couriers to remain safe.”

Wilderhaugh’s McDonald’s, opened in 2000, is the chain’s only burger bar in the Borders, although plans are being drawn up for a second in Hawick’s Commercial Road.