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.
Popular pizza pop-up Edges Pizza has opened a permanent home in Leeds city centre.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residencies across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason. Edges Pizza has just opened a permanent new takeaway under the arches in Holbeck, and it's absolutely class.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Owners Grace and Edge who are from Harrogate opened Edges two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
They've completely transformed the space into a proper love letter to the big apple. It will operate mainly as a takeaway, but there is a small seating area where you can perch and tuck into your pie.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu is perfectly curated, consisting of eight pizzas and three dips. And trust us, they are absolutely massive.
We opted for the American Hot with spicy pepperoni, banana peppers and parmesan as well as the mushroom pie topped with garlic creme fraiche and chestnut mushrooms.
Drizzled and dunked into moreish hot honey, it's rivalling some of the best pizza in the city.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For now, grabbing a pizza from Edges operates through a pre-order system. Pre-orders open at 12pm the day before via their website, you can pick your collection time and then you simply have to rock up and get your pizza.
There's loads of parking available nearby and if there are any remaining slots available you can pre-order up to an hour before collection.
We've got a feeling they're going to very busy indeed.
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Emily Sergeant -
6th February 2024 
