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MCDONALD'S is slashing the price of some of its fan favourites thanks to the government's VAT cut.

Big Macs, McMuffins and Happy Meals are among some of the options that will get cheaper from today.

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 McDonald's is slashing the prices of its Happy Meals from today
McDonald's is slashing the prices of its Happy Meals from todayCredit: Getty - Contributor

Last week, the government announced that VAT would be cut from 20 per cent to five per cent for hotels, restaurants and some attractions.

The hope is that the businesses affected will chose to pass these cuts onto their customers, meaning meals and staycations get cheaper.

So far, several restaurant chains - including McDonald's - have announced price drops to reflect the new rates.

The VAT cuts will last for six months until January 12, 2021, so hopefully the McDonald's price cuts will be in place until then.

Which McDonald's meals are getting cheaper?

McDonald's is a franchise business, which means prices can vary from location to location.

But the Head Office has suggested price cuts to the owners of each of its restaurants.

The recommendation includes a 40p reduction on Extra Value Meals menu and 30p off  every Happy Meal.

McDonald's has also suggested a 50p reduction on breakfast meals and up to 30p off the price of a single McMuffins.

The full list of McDonald's menu items that are getting cheaper

Here's all the price reductions that McDonald's has recommended, which should be in place from today

  • Breakfast meals - 50p reduction
  • McMuffins - 30p reduction
  • Black and white coffee - 40p reduction
  • Premium coffees - 30p reduction
  • McNuggets - 20p reduction
  • Big Mac - 20p reduction
  • Quarterpounder with cheese - 20p reduction
  • Filet O'Fish - 20p reduction
  • McChicken Sandwich - 20p reduction
  • Veggie Deluxe - 20p reduction
  • Extra Value Meals - 40p reduction
  • Happy Meals - 30p reduction

The McCafe range is also reducing prices on its hot drinks including premium coffees.

Because prices vary between restaurants, McDonald's is recommending that you check prices on the My McDonald's app or in your local.

Which items will not be getting any cheaper?

Not every McDonald's item will see reductions, so you might want to plan your meal carefully to maximise the benefits.

For instance, the fast food chain has said it will not be cutting the cost of its standalone fries.

Cheese sides aren't getting any cheaper and neither are shareboxes of nuggets.

Cold drinks will also not be covered and desserts are staying at full price.

Which McDonald's restaurants are open for business?

At the moment, McDonald's fans can only take advantage of the new prices for take-out options.

Fortunately, the vast majority of drive-thrus are operating, and there's plenty of stores with delivery available.

Even better, 271 McDonald’s restaurants have opened for in-person takeaways and 37 now serve breakfast.

You can find out what

McDonald's has also announced that it is trialling dine-in options at four stores across the UK.

These are located in Derby, Cross Cheaping in Coventry, Doncaster Road in Scunthorpe as well as Tallaght in the Republic of Ireland.

The dine-in pilot will offer table service only, and capacity will be reduced by as much as 70 per cent in some restaurants.

You will be able to order at the kiosk, at the till or at your table using the My McDonald's app and your food will be brought to your table.

When dine-in is back open, the VAT price reductions will still apply.

McDonald's has also said it would like to take part in the "eat out to help out" government scheme once it is open.

Wetherspoons is spreading the cuts across food items, coffee, soft drinks and ale with some items falling in price by up to 28 per cent.

KFC will reduce the price of sharing buckets by £1 and slash the cost of "fan favourites" by 50p.

Nando’s slashes prices of menu favourites as it passes on VAT cut to customers.


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