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.
She's big, she's green and she's ready to ruin your figure.
A lot of you will have seen the viral ‘Bertha’ cake by Leeds born beloved sweet treat specialists Get Baked.
They recently opened another site in Manchester's Northern Quarter, where queues literally formed round the block of hungry punters wanting to get their hands on the infamous sugary treats.
And now it's going to happen all over again, as they've recently unveiled their newest flavour which is sure to go down a storm.
We’ll give you a hint: it’s a current food and drink trend that’s about as big as Bertha herself – it’s not matcha, it’s not hot honey (duh), and it’s not Guinness…
Images: Get Baked
Yes—scratch that; HELL YES!Get Baked is set to welcome Bertha’s equally beautiful twin sister, and she’s officially a pistachio girlie.
Having started out life simply as ‘Bruce’, after taking inspiration from the iconic scene from Matilda, this thing has become a phenomenon in its own right, and who doesn’t like more flavours of a good thing?
Probably one of the biggest foodie crazes going at the minute, thanks to the popularity of pistachio cream, cookies, lattes and the similar social media sensation that is the ‘Dubai Pistachio Bar' people are rather fittingly going nuts for this particular flavour of almost absolutely anything.
With that in mind, the Leeds-born bakery and dessert shop – founded by Rich Myers over in Headingley back in 2011 – have shown no hesitation in hopping on the bandwagon and creating a new twist on their own viral menu item.
Teasing the full details in a post on their Instagram this week, they wrote: “What’s big, green, and is going to destroy your life in a couple of weeks’ time? Pistachio Bertha. Strictly limited to 5,000 slices. Coming oh so soon. GB.”
In case you were wondering just how mad those with a sweet tooth could possibly go for a slice of cake, just look at the recent queues when they finally launched in Manchester city centre:
Speaking on the grand opening here on our turf and his partner Amy’s hometown, Myers said simply: “Manchester, what a launch. Thanks for much for the warm welcome. Stay baked.”
The Swine That Dines announces the official opening date of its brand new restaurant
Clementine Hall
Much-loved Leeds Bistro The Swine Bistro, formerly known as The Swine That Dines, has moved to a bigger space in Headingley.
Although it’s gone through a few name changes over the years since launching as The Greedy Pig cafe in 2012, this independent spot has long been a firm favourite for Leeds locals for some time now.
Run by chef couple Jo and Stu Myers, they’ve been operating out of North Street where it’s all about cooking seasonal produce simply and with an added ‘little bit of sunshine’.
But now Swine Bistro has moved up over to Headingley, taking up a unit previously occupied by Jam hairdressers on Otley Road.
Image: Supplied
And the time has finally come for them to open their doors, as they announce their first service will take place on Friday 4 April with bookings open from today, Thursday 20 March.
The Myers will be welcoming head chef Kirsty Cheetham, who won Observer Food Monthly’s Best Sunday Lunch award in 2018 and 2022 when she ran The Queen o’t owd Thatch in South Milford, Leeds.
The expanded space in the restaurant has allowed the team to curate a bigger wine list which will include natural wines from Wayward Wines and Latitude Wines as well as local beers from Ilkley Brewery and Horsforth Brewery.
Image: Supplied
The team remains passionate about locally sourced ingredients and has partnered with a variety of Yorkshire suppliers including R&J Yorkshire for its fresh meat, Tarbetts fishmonger, cheese from George & Joseph cheesemongers and beans from micro roaster, Chipp Coffee Co.
Jo Myers, co-owner of the Swine Bistro said: “It’s taken a huge amount of time and effort to realise our dream to revamp what was previously a hairdresser into a fully functioning kitchen and restaurant. It’s been a wild ride but we’re excited, and slightly nervous, to finally open our doors.
“We love the vibe in Headingley and the time out has allowed us to have fun with our menu as well as take part in lots of essential taste testing of ingredients and drinks from our brilliant local suppliers. We can’t wait to welcome guests into our new restaurant!”
Emily Sergeant -
6th February 2024 
