McDonald’s opens new 24-hour drive-thru in Winchester

Staff and customers were raring to go ahead of the opening of the restaurant in the Tesco Extra car park, in Easton Lane, Winnall.

After four months of construction, contractors were making the finishing touches before the store opened at 11am on Wednesday, November 29.

@hampshire_chronicle Winchester's first 24-hour drive-thru McDonald's has opened in Winnall #Winchester #McDonald's #food @McDonald’s UK ♬ [FREE] Juice Wrld type beat '999' - KEV_BEATZ

The new fast-food outlet has 64 seats inside and 62 outside, with around 30 parking spaces, including accessible parking and bike racks.

Recycled plastics have been used to create the kerb around the drive-thru and solar panels have also been installed on the roof.

The staff on opening day (Image: Adele Bouchard)

Around 70 people have already been employed but area manager Philip Alsopp hopes that will increase to 130.

Mr Alsopp, who looks after the McDonald’s restaurants in Winchester, Basingstoke and Jersey, said: “It’s fantastic to be opening today, we are very proud of what we have achieved.

“I think there’s definitely a gap here for a 24-hour drive-thru. We’re confident that traffic won’t be an issue as we’re in a huge car park.

“We’re still hiring non-stop, we’ve got all kinds of positions available which is great for the local area.”

Friends Stuart Singer and Jack Shelton, both from Chandler’s Ford, were eager to be the first customers through the door.

Stuart Singer and Jack Shelton (Image: Adele Bouchard)

Stuart, 18, said: “Feels great it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and it’s something we’ve been waiting for.”

Jack, 18, said: “It will be a moment to look back on in the future. We’ve been waiting for it to be open and wanting to be the first customers for a while.”

Plumbing and heating engineer, David Lange, was on his way to work from Chandler’s Ford when he decided to make a pit stop in the new restaurant.

David Lange (Image: Adele Bouchard)

David, 56, said: “I knew it was going to open today and I was hoping to get a breakfast so thought I’d try it out. It opened after breakfast so I went for a double cheese burger meal.

“It’s in the perfect location, much better than the one in the city centre. I’m shocked how quickly the building came together.”

Winnall resident Jerry Butler was less impressed with the location. Mr Butler, who opted for a double cheese burger and fries, said: “I can’t understand how they let it open here, there are better locations for it. I’m only across the road so thought I might as well come in.”

Jerry Butler (Image: Adele Bouchard)

Mother and daughter, Bethany and Sally-Jane Drew, met up for an early lunch before Bethany started work at the local nursery.

Bethany, 26, from Basingstoke, said: “It’s quite nice to have the drive-thru here, it’s an easy place for a lunch break for me now. We’ve both gone for chicken selects, it’s quite boring but that’s what we like.”

Bethany and Sally-Jane Drew (Image: Adele Bouchard)

Sally-Jane, 60, said: “It’s a good central location, much better than going into town. I expect we will be back soon.”

Matt McNeil, 20, from Andover, said: “I came to check it out as I work just over the road. I’ll be coming here regularly, maybe every day.”

Winnall’s new McDonald’s is open all day every day apart from over Christmas.

To apply for a full-time or part-time position go to people.mcdonalds.co.uk and search Winnall.

For a better view of the restaurant watch the Chronicle's Facebook live video below or click on the top image for our gallery.