FAST food aficionados packed out the new McDonald’s branch in Bicester... once it had actually opened.

The burger chain remained tight-lipped on what time its new drive-thru would begin serving on Tuesday, with many eager residents keen to get a taste of their first Bicester Big Mac or McNuggets.

But after the final touches were put into the two-storey restaurant in the early hours that morning, customers reported being let through the doors at about 11am.

The opening came with a string of positive comments online, including one fan saying ‘the best Big Tasty Meal I have had in ages’.

Oxford Mail:

Another comment on Bicester and Surrounding Villages Chat Facebook Page added: “It is a triumph for Bicester. At last on the McDonald’s map.”

It was no surprise residents reported the restaurant being packed-out by 4pm, after long-running complaints from Bicester residents that they were forced to travel further afield for a taste of a Big Mac.

The closest McDonald’s outlet to the town prior to this would have been in Oxford or Baynards Green.

Oxford Mail:

Other early customers said the downstairs was ‘really small’ and raised concerns about the number of parking spaces dedicated to McDonald’s customers.

The drive-thru restaurant has been built off the A41, on the site of the Tesco Superstore in Lakeview Drive.

It is said to boast all the restaurant chain’s latest technology, including self-order kiosks, table service and a click and collect service operated through the app.

The branch has been opened by McDonald’s franchisee Joanne Jones, who started her link with the firm 24 year’s ago and now owns four of the restaurants in the area.

Oxford Mail:

She said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing a brand-new restaurant to Bicester. It’s fantastic to be able to offer more jobs within the local area, with great training opportunities for everyone. I’m proud to employ a great range of people, from students to graduates, to those looking after a family or interested in a change of career. My business employs people with a variety of demands on their time and with differing family or study commitments.

“What’s more, the new digital kiosks and table service have been designed to make our customers’ experience as positive as possible and we hope to see a fantastic response to these features.

“We are very excited to open our doors to customers and we look forward to seeing customers and staff embracing the new features in this busy part of the town.”

The new restaurant is said to be creating 200 jobs for the local community, according to McDonald’s.