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.
News
Female-founded independent jewellery brand to open in Leeds’ Victoria Gate
Norfolk-based jewellery brand Lisa Angel is opening their first Yorkshire site right here in Leeds.
Jewellery and trinket lovers, this one's for you.
Lisa Angel, a female-founded jewellery and gifting brand will open the doors to its new store in Victoria Gate next month.
Shoppers can expect a wonderful range of jewellery, gifts, and accessories that have established a loyal following during more than twenty years of business.
Founded in 2004 by Lisa hand making jewellery which she sold at craft fairs local to her Norfolk home, the business has only gone from strength to strength since.
Image: Supplied
The brand is now a recognised part of the British high street landscape, boasting seven other stores across Norfolk, Suffolk, and the Midlands.
After opening two stores last year and three stores in 2024, Lisa Angel’s founder and Creative Director, Lisa, said: “As an independent retailer, we are thrilled to launch in a destination with such a reputation as Victoria Leeds.
"We believe retail should remain grounded in inspiration and discovery, and we look forward to bringing just that to the vibrant city of Leeds, in our first store in the north.”
Managing Director James Moody explained the significance to the business of opening a new store in a city as influential as Leeds: “We're incredibly excited to be opening our first northern showcase store in such a prestigious location.
"Victoria Leeds represents exactly the kind of vibrant retail destination where we can bring the full Lisa Angel experience to new customers. This is a significant milestone for us as we continue to grow our retail presence."
We'll keep you up to date when we know an opening date, but for now you can check out what to expect here.
Yorkshire residents are being invited to name two new bin lorries
Clementine Hall
Well...this is a new one.
Ever fancied naming a bin lorry? Well today is your lucky day, because now you can.
Yorkshire-based waste management experts Divert are celebrating the arrival of two swanky new tbin rucks by inviting the local community to help name them.
The iconic purple bins, vans and trucks can be seen across the Yorkshire area helping to clean up waste from Bradford to Harrogate.
Two new lorries are set to be joining the fleet in April and May, and of course they need a name.
And who better to ask than the general public? The winning names will be added to the cabs of each of the trucks for all to see, and announced via the Divert website and social media channels.
Absolutely anyone from across the UK is welcome to take part, but the company are especially keen for people from Yorkshire to enter.
You can be as creative as you like, but there are a couple of rules...
No swearing or offensive names. Aside from that, you can let your freak flag fly.
The Divert team are keen to hear the 'best celebrity puns, local namesakes, and downright silly names' the public have to offer.
John Verity, Managing Director of Divert, comments: “Naming our bin trucks is a great way to bring some joy to the local community. We hope to bring a smile to the faces of passing drivers and pedestrians as our fleet passes by.
“Not only that, naming our lorries can help our drivers to take pride and ownership in the vehicles they drive and be a key reminder of our engagement within the community. We’re always keen to employ any initiatives that help the public to engage with us and ensure we’re seen as a friendly face in the area.”
Winners will be voted for by the team internally, and the competition closes at 5 pm on 31 March 2026.
Georgina Pellant -
9th September 2021 
