McDonald’s is launching its “spiciest burger ever” across the UK this week as part of its first food collaboration.
Thought the McSpicy was already spicy enough? Think again.
The fast food chain is gearing up to put fans’ tastebuds to the ultimate test this week, as McDonald’s is joining forces with Frank’s RedHot to “switch up” the massively-popular burger and create its “hottest drop” yet – the McSpicy x Frank’s RedHot.
Yes, that’s right – the legendary McSpicy will be “rising to a whole new level” and becoming a burger that has a kick so hot it will, apparently, “blow your mind”.
The original McSpicy is already somewhat of a fan favourite, but McDonald’s says it’s found a way to make the classic even better – or, should we say, hotter – by collaborating with cult hot sauce brand, Frank’s RedHot, to create a burger that properly packs a punch.
Image: McDonald's
The McSpicy x Frank’s RedHot is made up of a hot and spicy 100% chicken breast fillet in a crispy coating, served with lettuce, Emmental cheese, jalapenos, onions, and, of course, a “deliciously unique” Frank’s RedHot Mayo, all encased in a fluffy sesame seed bun.
The super-spicy new addition will set you back just £5.59 on its own, or you can make it a ‘meal’ for £7.29 instead.
The launch of the new burger follows on from the already headline-grabbing news that the iconic McDonald’s Breakfast Wrap is making a comeback after nearly four years, and also off-the-back of the announcement that two new limited-edition pink desserts are being launched as part of a new menu refresh, alongside some other new and returning favourites too.
And with both the Breakfast Wrap and pink desserts duo arriving in restaurants nationwide in just a couple of days, and now the McDonald’s x Frank’s RedHot McSpicy collaboration set to do the same, it’s looking like it’ll be a big week for Maccies fans.
Image: McDonald's
Speaking ahead of the McSpicy x Frank’s RedHot drop this week, Thomas O’Neil, who is the Head of Menu at McDonald’s UK and Ireland, said: “We know how much our customers love spice, and were blown away by the reaction to the McSpicy since it first launched as a limited-edition back in July 2021, and went on to become a permanent resident on our main menu.
“[But now], this collaboration with Frank’s RedHot gave us such an exciting opportunity to build on an already iconic product and create something genuinely spicy but also delicious that we know both McDonald’s and Frank’s RedHot customers will love.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing the reaction”.
The McSpicy x Frank’s RedHot is officially launching this Wednesday 7 February, alongside the rest of new and returning menu items like the Breakfast Wrap, the KitKat Ruby Chocolate McFlurry, and the Raspberry and White Chocolate Pie.
So, as you can see, if you’re up for a full-on fast food feast, then make sure you get yourself down to Maccies from this Wednesday.
Because one Fern Modern Sushi wasn't enough, we've now got two.
And guess what? It's even better than the first.
Fern Modern Sushi located in the unassuming Central Arcade has become a firm foodie favourite after opening just a couple years ago.
Run by the wonderful Chef Fern, who you could say is somewhat of a local celebrity at this point, the restaurant is known for serving delicious sushi with the freshest fish possible and traditional Japanese dishes with modern flair.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Full with hungry punters no matter the time of day, it's no surprise that Chef Fern has just opened Fern Modern Sushi 2.0 on Park Row.
This beautiful new space is serving up all the classic Fern dishes, from stacked donburi bowls and perfectly rolled sushi to miso glazed cod and hearty bowls of ramen.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Different for this location, though, is their exclusive cocktail menu - so you can wine and dine to your heart's content.
The interior has also levelled up, complete with a huge open kitchen so you can pull up a chair and eat whilst watching the magic happen.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And this isn't all that Chef Fern is up to, after opening Tori Nori on Vicar Lane a few months ago this will be her third restaurant in the city centre, and that is no easy feat.
She's even got another restaurant imminently opening in the Central Arcade which will be focused on traditional katsu dishes, and we wouldn't be at all surprised if she had something else lined up in the pipeline.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Fern Modern Sushi 2.0 officially opens on 19 November, but is open now for soft launch with limited bookings.
A pub in Leeds has been crowned the third best in Britain by The Good Food Guide
Clementine Hall
A Leeds pub has been crowned one of the very best in the country by The Good Food Guide.
The trusted guide has just released its 100 Best Pubs in Britain list, and we're very chuffed with the results indeed.
Taking the coveted number three spot is our very own The Highland Laddie, a 100-year-old city centre institution that reopened in April 2025 in the hands of new owners Sam Pullan and Nicole Deighton.
These guys also run the Empire Cafe, so you just know it's going to be good.
Last year they soared straight to the top of the list and were crowned the best pub in the whole of Britain by the guide.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This time, the Queen's Arms over in Eccles came number one followed by The Cow in Notting Hill.
We still think bagging third place is quite the achievement, and if you've visited The Highland Laddie yourself you'll know just how much of a special place it is.
Don't just take our word for it, The Good Food Guide labelled the Laddie as 'a true pub with a genuine community vibe'.
They also said: "Reenergised by the team behind the Empire Cafe in 2025, this is everything that a proper English pub should be – 'oh, and they have a mustard menu!'
"Inside, the Laddie ticks all the boxes, preserving the essentials of a traditional old-school boozer and maintaining a genuine sense of community while letting the good times roll. As for the food, it’s ‘both high-end and accessible’, pulling in ideas from all over, whether you fancy a freshly shucked Lindisfarne oyster, a keema toastie or an elevated ham roll with bread cooked over the coals.
"Dig deeper and you might find a lobster madeleine with Yorkshire chorizo butter, a treacle onion tart or pork schnitzel with two fried eggs. Club steaks are served by the inch, there’s no creative let-up when it comes to sides, and the nostalgia is ramped up with the likes of strawberry and Champagne trifle with ‘sprinkles’.
"But never forget that this is a self-proclaimed ‘drinkers’ pub’ dispensing everything from ‘properly served’ British brews and ’the best Guinness in Leeds’ to a staggering line-up of whisky optics."
Emily Sergeant -
6th February 2024 
