Take a look inside 'new look' Sunderland McDonald's as it reopens to customers

A number of the chain’s walk in restaurants have reopen for takeaway customers only on Wednesday, June 24, at 11am.

The Echo has taken a look inside the ‘new look’ eateries which enable customers to order from McDonald’s reduced menu to takeaway.

Long queues gathered outside the eatery in High Street West with people eager to purchase a Big Mac or another of the fast chain’s well-known meals.

The international fast-food chain’s branch in The Galleries in Washington has also reopened.

They join restaurants in the North East that have already opened to drive-thru and delivery customers.

There were huge queues outside McDonald’s drive-thrus across the region as customers were prepared to wait for over an hour for a chicken nugget meal or a Big Mac.

Eateries are still running to reduced hours and are open from 11am to 10pm daily and there is a reduced menu on offer.

A limited number of people will be allowed inside the restaurants to ensure customers and staff can adhere to social distancing rules and a one-way system with clear signposting and floor-markings has been installed.

A spokesman for McDonald’s said: “Customers will be welcomed inside when a space becomes available and will be asked to sanitise their hands at cleaning stations that have been introduced in all restaurants.

“There will be fewer self-order screens switched on and those in use will be sanitised at least every 30 minutes. Customers can also order via the My McDonald’s app.

“Customers are encouraged to visit alone to collect their food where possible. For those visiting with children, play areas and digital play areas will remain closed.

“Restaurant seating areas, customer toilets and lifts will remain closed.

“With dining areas closed, recycling points will also remain closed. The large majority of McDonald’s packaging can be recycled, and customers are encouraged to dispose of their litter responsibly and recycle wherever possible when they get home.

“To help protect employees and other customers, McDonald’s asks their customers not to visit if they feel unwell.”

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