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.
Authentic Turkish street food is coming to Kirkgate.
Leeds city centre is gearing up to welcome yet another new food spot, and this one is all about homemade lahmacun, shawarma wraps and plenty of signature tahini sauce.
Tahin will open its doors at 10 Kirkgate, next to The Cat Cafe, and with signs already up we don't think it'll be long until they welcome their first customers.
The restaurant is listed as a Turkish restaurant that specialise in their homemade tahini sauce, hence the name.
According to the restaurant's Instagram profile which has been going for a few years, Tahin also specialises in home-made lahmacun wraps alongside shawarma wraps.
For anyone unfamiliar with lahmacun, the Turkish staple is often described as a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a richly seasoned mixture of minced meat, herbs and vegetables.
Wrapped up with fresh salad and sauces, it makes for a satisfying and flavourful lunch to enjoy on-the-go.
Their Instagram suggests that Tahin once existed before back in 2022, so although this may not be a completely new venture, we're nevertheless very glad to see them back.
Its location puts it right in the middle of one of Leeds' busiest areas, making it the perfect mid-shopping pit stop for those wandering around Briggate or stopping for a bite to eat before heading out on the town.
The new opening comes at a time when Leeds' food scene is continuing to expand, with a string of independent restaurants and street-food concepts opening across the city centre throughout 2026.
This Leeds bistro has been named one of the best restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around
Clementine Hall
A much-loved neighbourhood Leeds restaurant has been given another major accolade.
There’s no shortage of brilliant places to eat in Leeds, but one Horsforth bistro has just been given a pretty huge seal of approval - and it might be worth planning your next staycation around.
The brilliant Bavette has been named one of the best neighbourhood restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around by Condé Nast Traveller, appearing alongside a handpicked list of restaurants from across the country.
The list celebrates neighbourhood restaurants that are worth travelling for, with the magazine highlighting the growing appeal of venturing outside of busy city centres in search of smaller, more intimate places to eat.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And Leeds has bagged itself a spot thanks to Bavette, and we can't say we're surprised.
The French-inspired neighbourhood bistro is run by chef Sandy Jarvis and his husband Clément Cousin.
Since opening in 2024, Bavette has quickly become one of the city's most talked-about restaurants, attracting diners far beyond its Horsforth home and scooping up accolades such as the 2024 Good Food Guide's Best UK Local Restaurant, a 2025 and 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand, and a place in the 2026 National Restaurant Awards Top 100.
Condé Nast Traveller hails Bavette as "a true neighbourhood gem", saying: "The restaurant takes its cues from the couple’s London bistro roots, serving hearty yet elegant dishes made with seasonal ingredients.”
They finish by saying: "Reservations are hard to come by - but so worth it once you get your foot in the door."
We really couldn't agree more.
And while a trip to Horsforth might not technically count as a staycation for us Leeds locals, Bavette is certainly one restaurant worth crossing the city for.
Emily Sergeant -
6th February 2024 
