McDonald’s has long been a dominant player in the fast-food industry, with a significant presence in the UK competing with brands like Subway, Greggs, and Costa Coffee.

As of 2025, there are about 1,185 McDonald’s restaurants in England and the brand continues to expand its service offerings while strategically selecting locations that maximize customer traffic and revenue.

This article provides data-driven insights into McDonald's performance in England, highlighting key trends that influence site selection, market saturation, and customer satisfaction.

Analyzing McDonald's Traffic Data: Identifying High-Performing Locations

Understanding traffic patterns is crucial for evaluating McDonald's performance across England. By analyzing visitation data, businesses can identify high-traffic areas, emerging markets, and locations that may need strategic adjustments.

Above-Average Visitation

A large number of McDonald’s outlets in England specifically 1,082 locations fall under the above-average foot traffic category. These high-performing branches are primarily situated in areas like Central, Castle, Abbey, Town, St Peter’s, and City districts. Their steady stream of customers is largely due to strategic placement in high-density zones, including urban centers, major retail areas, and key transport hubs.

Highly Visited Locations

A select group of 46 McDonald's outlets experience exceptionally high traffic, often exceeding average visitation metrics. These locations tend to be flagship stores in city centers, near major transportation hubs, or in highly commercialized areas. Their high volume of customers suggests strong market demand and optimized site selection strategies.

Average Visitation

Only 11 locations fall into the average visitation category, indicating moderate but stable customer flow. These locations may be situated in less densely populated areas or regions with strong competition. While they maintain steady business, they may require additional marketing efforts or operational adjustments to increase traffic and revenue.

By leveraging geospatial data and AI-driven location intelligence, businesses can pinpoint optimal site selection strategies and maximize the profitability of McDonald's locations across England.

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Rating Data of McDonald's in England

Customer ratings are a valuable indicator of how well McDonald's restaurants are perceived in different regions across England. By analyzing the ratings, businesses can gain insight into customer satisfaction levels, identify areas for improvement, and assess overall brand reputation. Below is a breakdown of the customer ratings:

High Ratings (4.5 to 5)

McDonald’s restaurants with ratings in the high range are a reflection of exceptional customer service, quality, and customer satisfaction. There are 2 locations rated at 5 stars, showcasing excellence in service and dining experience. They are found in Warbreck and Hargate and Hempstead.

Moderate Ratings (3.5 to 4.4)

A limited number of restaurant locations fall within the moderate rating range. For instance, some outlets have earned scores like 3.8, 3.9, and 4.2—reflecting decent but not outstanding service levels. These branches could see improvement by focusing on key customer experience factors, such as staff efficiency, menu variety, or the overall dining atmosphere, to move closer to higher satisfaction ratings.

Low Ratings (1 to 3.4)

A significant number of locations (10 outlets) fall into the low rating category, with scores ranging from 2.1 to 3.3. These outlets, including those rated 1.7, 2.3, and 2.5, may face issues such as long wait times, inconsistent food quality, or poor customer service.

No Rating Data

A substantial portion of locations (1,158 outlets) have no available customer rating data, which could indicate that these restaurants either have newer establishments or lower online visibility. Gathering and analyzing this data can be valuable for businesses looking to improve engagement and increase the online presence of McDonald's locations.

Pricing Data of McDonald's Restaurants in England

When evaluating the affordability of McDonald's locations across England, it's important to consider the pricing structure and how it compares to other fast-food chains in the region. According to the available data:

Moderately Expensive Locations

There is 1 McDonald's restaurant categorized as moderately expensive. This suggests that the pricing at this particular location may be slightly higher than what is typically expected from a standard McDonald’s outlet.

Inexpensive Locations

The overwhelming majority of McDonald's locations in England — 1,155 restaurants — are considered inexpensive. This pricing structure aligns with McDonald’s brand, which has built a reputation for offering affordable, fast food. These locations are accessible to a broad range of customers, with competitive pricing that caters to those seeking value for money.

Districts with the Highest Volume of Inexpensive McDonald's Locations

Several districts in England feature a notable concentration of inexpensive McDonald's restaurants, providing easy access to affordable fast food options. Some of the districts with the highest volume of inexpensive locations include:

These districts, particularly those in urban centers like Central and Castle, reflect McDonald's strategic placement in high-traffic areas to capture a broad consumer base, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can access affordable dining options. By focusing on high-density regions, McDonald's ensures its continued relevance and convenience for a large number of customers seeking budget-friendly meals.

Conclusion

The performance of McDonald's locations in England is shaped by traffic patterns, customer ratings, pricing strategy, and site selection decisions. High-performing locations tend to be strategically placed in high-density areas, offer drive-through and delivery options, and maintain strong customer satisfaction. Similar insights into brand footprint and operational factors can be observed when evaluating how many A&W restaurants operate across the United States, offering valuable benchmarks for international expansion and location planning.

For businesses in retail site selection, urban planning, and market research, location intelligence is key to understanding:

• Which areas drive the most customer traffic
• How pricing impacts consumer demand
• Where operational improvements are needed

By leveraging data analytics and AI-powered insights, businesses can optimize site selection, expansion planning, and operational efficiency to stay competitive in England’s evolving fast-food landscape.

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