McDonald's has become an essential part of the fast-food industry in England, serving millions of customers daily with its quick-service model and affordable menu. As of 2025, the number of McDonald’s locations continues to expand, reflecting the brand's strategic growth and adaptation to changing consumer preferences.

Understanding McDonald's distribution, service offerings, and market trends is crucial for businesses involved in retail chain expansion, site selection, and urban planning. Whether it's choosing prime real estate for a new franchise, analyzing traffic patterns, or evaluating market saturation, knowing how McDonald's operates in England provides valuable insights for decision-makers.

In this article, we’ll look into the number of McDonald’s restaurants in England and the services offered at different locations.

How Many McDonald's Restaurants Are in England?

From our UK restaurant and cafe dataset, as of 2025, McDonald’s operates approximately 1,185 restaurant franchises across England. This number reflects a steady increase due to the brand’s commitment to expanding in high-footfall areas, urban centers, and suburban communities.

The growth of McDonald's in England is driven by several factors:

• Increased consumer demand for fast, convenient dining options
• Urbanization trends leading to higher density in key cities
• Drive-thru expansion catering to customers seeking quick service
• Delivery partnerships with apps like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat

Compared to previous years, McDonald’s expansion has focused on enhancing accessibility, particularly in suburban and rural areas where fewer fast-food options exist.

Distribution of McDonald's in England’s Districts

McDonald’s locations in England are strategically distributed based on population density, foot traffic, and commercial activity. The restaurant chain follows a hub-and-spoke model, with high concentrations in major cities and transport hubs, moderate distribution in urban centers and suburbs, and lower density in smaller towns and developing areas.

High-Density Areas (10+ Locations)

England’s busiest commercial districts and metropolitan hubs have the highest concentration of McDonald's restaurants. Areas like Central (20), Castle (14), and Abbey (12) are prime locations due to heavy foot traffic, tourism, and dense retail environments. These areas benefit from high demand, making them ideal for quick-service restaurants and other retail chains looking to maximize sales.

Mid-Density Areas (4-9 Locations)

Urban centers and suburban hubs fall into this category, offering a balance of accessibility and moderate consumer demand. Locations such as Town (9), Westgate (5), and City Centre (4) serve both local communities and commuters, making them key areas for regional expansion and franchise growth. These locations are often well-connected by transport links and provide consistent customer flow without the oversaturation of high-density districts.

Low-Density Areas (2-3 Locations)

Many smaller towns and suburban districts have fewer McDonald's locations, often serving as emerging market opportunities. Areas like Davyhulme East (3), Stratford and New Town (2), and Woolwich Riverside (2) highlight locations with growth potential, especially for drive-thru and delivery-focused outlets. These regions may not yet support a large number of fast-food restaurants, but demographic shifts and infrastructure developments could make them attractive for future expansion.

Top Districts for McDonald’s Locations

Certain districts in England have a notably high concentration of McDonald's locations, reflecting their strong consumer demand, economic activity, and commercial density. These areas are key areas for retail and food service expansion, making them valuable for market research and site selection.

Districts in England With the Highest Number of McDonald's

Services Offered at McDonald's Restaurants in England

McDonald's in England provides a variety of services to enhance customer convenience and accessibility. The majority of locations offer multiple ordering and fulfillment options, catering to different consumer preferences, from traditional dine-in experiences to contactless and drive-through services.

Most Common Services

The most widely available service combination is Dine-in, Drive-through, and No-contact Delivery, offered at over 800 locations. This highlights the popularity of drive-through services, which provide fast and efficient ordering, especially in high-traffic suburban and roadside areas. Similarly, Dine-in, Drive-through, and Delivery are available at nearly 175 locations, catering to customers who prefer in-person dining or home delivery through food delivery platforms.

Takeaway and Contactless Options

For customers seeking a quick and efficient option, Dine-in, Takeaway, and No-contact Delivery is available at 132 locations. Another 35 locations offer Dine-in, Takeaway, and Delivery, ensuring flexible options for different consumer needs.

Less Common but Available Services

Some locations provide Kerbside Pickup, a feature available at a few restaurants, allowing customers to collect their orders without entering the building. Additionally, a small number of locations operate with limited services, such as Dine-in only or Delivery only, catering to specific market demands.

Conclusion

McDonald’s remains England’s largest and most strategically positioned fast-food chain, with a growing number of restaurants, competing with brands like Subway, Greggs, and Costa Coffee.

Whether you're an investor, urban planner, or competitor analyzing McDonald's expansion, this data-driven insight helps understand how location intelligence fuels success in the fast-food industry.

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