McDonald's to open biggest ever restaurant at Olympic Park

Fast food operator McDonald's is to open its biggest ever restaurant at the Olympic Park in east London.

The group will open a two-storey, 3,000sq m outlet in the heart of the development, with capacity for 1,500 diners. The restaurant will be one of four McDonald's outlets built in and around the Olympic Park, including one in the athletes' village and one in the media centre.

Despite criticism from some corners, including former Olympic silver medallist, boxer Amir Khan, who said the restaurant "sends out the wrong message about healthy lifestyles", McDonald's has insisted there is no discrepancy between the Games' ideals and its fast food offer.

The company, which has been an Olympic sponsor since 1976, plans to serve 1.75 million meals during the 29 days of the Olympics and Paralympics.

McDonald's UK chief executive Jill McDonald said being involved in the greatest sporting event on earth is hugely exciting.

"We want everyone who visits our Olympic Park restaurants to have the best possible customer experience, and are confident that the look and feel of these cutting-edge designs will provide that environment," she said.

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By Kerstin Kühn

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