London's largest McDonald's, located in Leicester Square, is set to operate around the clock after Westminster Council approved an application to extend its opening hours. The branch, currently closed between 2:45am and 5am daily, will soon serve customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to a report by Metro.
Approval Amid Opposition
Capital Arches Group (CAG), which operates 40 McDonald's restaurants across London and the UK, has been seeking a 24-hour premises license for the Leicester Square branch for some time. The application faced significant opposition from the Metropolitan Police, who raised concerns about potential increases in crime and pressure on policing in an area they described as 'already saturated with late-night licensed venues.'
In a letter to the Westminster Licensing Team, the Met warned that extending hours would 'likely contribute to an increase in crime.' Leicester Square is also home to The Hippodrome Casino, which is open 24/7, and clubs like Zoo Bar & Club and Rumba, which typically close at 3am.
Council Decision and Safe Haven Status
Despite police objections, Westminster Council sided with CAG. 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 were introduced in the early 2010s following the murder of 16-year-old schoolboy Jimmy Mizen. They provide vulnerable individuals with a safe space to receive support from trained staff, who can contact emergency services, friends, or relatives on behalf of those feeling unsafe. According to CAG, keeping the Leicester Square McDonald's open 24/7 will allow more people to use the building in times of need.
Other 24/7 McDonald's in London
While the exact date for the Leicester Square extension has not been announced, several other McDonald's branches in London already operate 24/7. These include locations at 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, Ealing Broadway, and Walthamstow.
The move comes as part of a broader trend of extending late-night food options in the capital, with pubs in Westminster also being urged to discourage ordering at the bar to reduce noise and disruption.
