McDonald’s UK marks 50th anniversary with nostalgic 80s-themed makeover internet is loving it

McDonald’s is celebrating its 50th anniversary in the UK, sparking a wave of nostalgia as people remember what the fast-food chain looked like back in the 1980s. To mark this milestone, McDonald's UK—who goes by @mcdonaldsuk on TikTok—has taken fans on a trip down memory lane by transforming one of its restaurants into a retro-style diner straight out of the '80s.

Having opened its first UK location in Woolwich, South London, in October 1974, McDonald's has gone all out for the celebration, even reviving classic characters like "The Hamburglar" to bring back those fond memories. The tour highlights some of the classic features that defined McDonald's in its early days, back when the chain was just starting to gain its legendary status. Once a favorite spot for both kids and adults, these quirky chairs are now just a fond memory.

They also seemed to have changed to an old-fashioned cash register, much bulkier than the sleek digital ones we’re used to seeing now. The journey down memory lane wraps up with a glimpse of the Employee of the Month wall, another piece of McDonald’s history that’s also been left behind. The clip then moves on to the nostalgic Apple Pie Tree, before focusing on what used to be the “coolest hangout in town” – a party area once available for kids' celebrations, but no longer part of the experience.

In a TikTok clip shared by McDonald's UK, a worker takes viewers on a virtual tour of an old-school "Maccies," giving everyone a glimpse of what it was like to order food from the iconic brand in the 1980s. The video then takes us past the famous burger-shaped seats, a beloved feature that has sadly disappeared from most McDonald’s locations. The tour showcased the super retro furniture, along with an old-school menu that surprisingly featured many of the same items you’d find today, like the Fillet-O-Fish.

Viewers couldn't help but wish for a comeback of some of these old favorites, with the burger chairs being a standout request. "I loved the old burger chairs. But that was when visiting Mcd’s was a treat and not an whenever you wanted thing," said @mattbourne_ "Change EVERYTHING back to when it was great, burger chairs, parties, best happy meal toys," wrote @chasing_fairytales_. "I think this is how it was when I was little?! I remember from pictures," added @lizieloo. Some even shared some of their previous memories of the older McDonald's, @fat.sam.eats commented, "I remember my tour around the kitchen on my birthday back in the day, could only take 1 friend and that made n broke friendships for life." "I remember those burger chairs! Why on earth would you get rid of them?" asked @disleastrange. "I miss old school Mcdonald's pure nostalgia," commented @doughboyfoodie.

So, why this new themed restaurant? McDonald’s UK explained that it’s part of a nostalgic, 80s-themed advertising campaign. They’re also donating proceeds from their Birthday Cake Donut to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. Along with the retro makeover, McDonald’s has launched a special birthday-themed menu. It features items like the McCrispy BBQ Smokehouse, Cheesy Garlic Bread Dippers, Double Big Mac, Birthday Cake Donut, Milkybar Raspberry Ripple McFlurry (with white chocolate and raspberry swirl), and a Munchies Cookie Dough McFlurry.

You can follow McDonald's UK (@mcdonaldsuk) on Instagram for more of their content.