All the restaurant and pub chains that are cheaper than a McDonald's meal
HAPPY MEAL All the restaurant and pub chains that are cheaper than a McDonald's meal
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THE price of McDonald's has shot up in recent years, with punters now forking out nearly £10 for a large Big Mac Meal.
Gone are the days when fans of the classic meal could pay for it with the spare change in their pocket.
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The price of a Big Mac has shot up in recent years.
Credit: Ian Whittaker
In 2022, the meal cost a mere £6.29, including fries and a drink.
Today, just a single Big Mac will set you back £5.89 in London, and if you want to make it a large meal expect to hand over £9.19.
Of course, McDonald's prices across the UK vary, with fast-food fans in Leeds paying £8.79 for the same exact large meal.
With money tight, many punters are saying adios to the Happy Meal maker and looking for cheaper alternatives.
Over the past few weeks, hangry customers have taken to X, formerly Twitter, to complain, with some describing it as "extortionate".
While another said: "I just don't go anymore. For the same price as a Maccies I can go to Spoons and get a full meal with a pint."
And to make matters worse, favourites such as Happy Meals, fries, and wraps have seen price increases of up to 15% in just a few months.
A McDonald's spokesperson previously told The Sun: "We refuse to compromise on the quality of our ingredients – and that means when these ingredients cost more, we have to review our prices.
"Raising some prices means we are able to stand by our quality commitments, like our beef patties being made from 100% British and Irish beef or our Chicken McNuggets being made from 100% chicken breast."
But if you are keen to save a few quid the next time you are treating yourself, why not try these alternatives.
I went to the UK's biggest Wetherspoons with rooftop bar overlooking the beach
WETHERSPOONS - £7.49
Spoons is known for its bargain prices and some menu items are cheaper than Maccies.
Its American Burger, which comes with a beef patty, cheese, chips and a drink, costs just £7.49.
That's £1.70 cheaper than a large Big Mac.
Better yet, if you want to enjoy your meal with an alcoholic beverage, it still costs less than a meal at Maccies.
Wetherspoons asks punters for an extra £1.53 to add a tipple to their meal, which comes in at £9.02.
And Spoons has also hiked prices for customers with the cost of some of its food items by 30p earlier this year.
SIZZLING PUBS - £8.79
This family-friendly chain sells a burger and chips at a bargain price.
Punters can enjoy "The Old Faithful" Beef burger for £8.79 at its branch in New Farnely in Leeds.
That is on par with what some customers pay for a Big Mac meal and 44p cheaper than a London Maccies.
But it is worth noting that prices can vary from branch to branch.
Its "Two Brothers" branch in Southampton charges £10.79 for the same meal.
And unlike Maccie's, this offer does not come with a drink so you will need to fork out extra for that.
You can find your nearest branch by visiting www.sizzlingpubs.co.uk/findapub.
ASDA CAFE - £6.75
The popular supermarket charges around £6.75 for a cheeseburger and chips, which trumps Spoons and Maccie's.
You can pay 50p to upgrade to large chips, which would take your total to £7.25.
Again, you will have to pay extra for a drink as this is not included.
Punters can enjoy a warm meal at 205 diners which are located within the supermarkets across the UK.
HUNGRY HORSE - £4.64
You will need to follow a hack to get these delicious burgers for less.
A cheese burger at the chain costs £9.29 at its Garforth branch, slightly more expensive than a McDonald's meal.
But if you head there on a Friday, you can make the most of its "Two for One" offer on burgers.
That means if you went there with a friend, you could split the cost the cost of the first burger, paying £4.64 each.
This offer is available at all of its 250 locations in the UK.
You can find your nearest chain by visiting www.hungryhorse.co.uk/pubs-near-me.
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