McDonald's Leicester Square, the fast-food chain's largest outlet in London, is set to operate around the clock after Westminster Council approved an application to extend its opening hours. Currently closed between 2:45am and 5am daily, the branch will soon serve customers 24/7, though an exact start date has not been announced.
Council approval and operator's push
Capital Arches Group (CAG), which operates 40 McDonald's restaurants across London and the UK, had been seeking a 24-hour premises license for the Leicester Square site for some time. The council's decision marks a victory for the company, which argued that extended hours would benefit both customers and public safety.
The move comes despite strong opposition from the Metropolitan Police. In a letter to the Westminster Licensing Team, the Met warned that longer hours would 'likely contribute to an increase in crime' in an area already 'saturated with late-night licensed venues.' Leicester Square is home to The Hippodrome Casino, open 24/7, and clubs like Zoo Bar & Club and Rumba, which typically close at 3am.
Crime impact assessment and Safe Haven status
An independent crime and disorder impact assessment submitted in July found 'no evidence' that McDonald's increases crime in the area. CAG also highlighted that the Leicester Square branch is the only accredited 'Safe Haven' premises in the immediate vicinity. Safe Havens, introduced in the early 2010s following the murder of 16-year-old Jimmy Mizen, offer vulnerable individuals a safe space where trained staff can contact emergency services, friends, or relatives.
According to CAG, keeping the restaurant open 24/7 means more people can access this support during times of need, especially in the late-night hours when other services may be closed.
Current 24-hour McDonald's in London
Until the Leicester Square branch extends its hours, customers craving late-night nuggets can visit these popular 24-hour locations: Walthamstow, Liverpool Street Station, Kensington High Street, City Road, The Strand, King's Cross (York Way), High Holborn, St Paul's, Old Kent Road, Commercial Road, Hammersmith Broadway, Brixton, and Ealing Broadway.
The approval reflects a broader trend of fast-food chains extending hours in central London to cater to nightlife demand. However, it also underscores ongoing tensions between business interests and police concerns about public safety and resource allocation in the capital's entertainment districts.
