It seems that McDonald's has finally embraced the vegan burger trend, with the fast food giant announcing the release of its new McPlant burger this week.
It all began in early 2019 with a sausage roll. Now, it seems like everyone's at the vegan fast-food game - with big brands from KFC to Burger King getting in on the action.
Better late than never, McDonald's has caught up to the trend at last with the release of this new menu addition - and we expect there's going to be some very excited vegans as a result.
Image: The McPlant burger
Developed in partnership with vegan brand Beyond Meat, the 'McPlant' burger has reportedly been in the works for three years now and has just been certified as vegan by the Vegetarian Society.
The new menu addition mimicks McDonald's popular Quarter Pounder, coming filled with a Beyond Meat patty, ketchup, mustard, vegan special sauce, onions, pickles, lettuce, tomato and vegan cheese on a vegan sesame-seed bun.
The chain has assured customers that the vegan burgers will be kept separate from its meat and dairy products, and will be cooked on a separate grill to ensure that the vegan meal isn't contaminated with meat.
Staff will also use dedicated utensils for the new plant-based offerings.
McDonald’s signed a three-year partnership with Beyond Meat earlier this year, and it is expected that the McPlant burger is just the first product to come of a range of plant-based offerings - such as plant-based chicken burgers and vegan egg breakfast sandwiches.
Previously only available to try in European countries like Sweden, Denmark and Austria, it's finally landing in Leeds next month as part of a UK-wide rollout.
It will first launch in 10 select McDonald’s locations in Coventry on 29 September, before expanding out to over 250 UK locations on 13 October - with some Leeds sites expected to be included.
It will roll out to all McDonald’s restaurants in the UK fully next year.
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A new bar dedicated to Guinness and games is coming to Leeds city centre
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Leeds City Council granted £1.6m to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas
Clementine Hall
A £1.6m grant has been given by the government to Leeds City Council to help tackle rough sleeping.
The funding has been allocated to Leeds City Council as part of the Government’s national Rough Sleeping Programme.
The overall target is to help rough sleepovers off the streets by Christmas through providing safe accommodation.
The council have said that voluntary organisations and charities will be able to help them reach this target.
The council report said: "This funding will be used for immediate interventions to ensure all those rough sleeping have an offer of accommodation by Christmas and support longer term sustainment of accommodation.
“The initial target is to provide a suitable offer of accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping by Christmas 2026.
“Providing a path into supported accommodation and independent living is the key objective and sustaining this independent living with, where necessary, ongoing support to prevent any return to rough sleeping and homelessness.”
The government announcement spoke of the scheme: "The programme is intended to support people experiencing rough sleeping.
"People experiencing rough sleeping may have differing entitlements to housing and support depending on their individual circumstances, including their immigration status and eligibility for public funds."
The funding is intended to help provide immediate support for people currently sleeping on the streets, while also helping them access longer-term accommodation and the support needed to maintain independent living.
By working with local charities and voluntary organisations, the council hopes to ensure people are not only offered a place to stay but are also given the help they need to avoid returning to the streets.
Georgina Pellant -
9th September 2021 
