London’s biggest McDonald’s is making a big change — one night owls will appreciate

| Lifestyle Reporter Published August 6, 2026 12:52pm Updated August 6, 2026 12:53pm Late night Londoners will be thrilled with this news (Picture: Getty) At 4am, after one too many tequila, lime and sodas, there are few sights as beautiful as those iconic golden arches. Capable of taking the edge off even the most lethal cocktail, a large portion of salty McDonald’s fries is the perfect way to end any night out. The problem is, there aren’t actually many McDonald’s branches in London that are open 24/7. In fact, the majority tend to close at either 11pm or, if you’re lucky, 12am. But now the fast food chain’s biggest branch will soon be opening its doors around the clock. McDonald’s Leicester Square, which is currently closed for just under three hours a day between 2.45am and 5am, will soon be open 24/7. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. While the exact date has not been revealed for when the doors will be eternally unlocked, Westminster Council have approved an application to extend the opening hours. There are currently over 600 McDonald’s across the UK that are open 24/7 (Picture: Getty) Capital Arches Group (CAG), which operates 40 McDonald’s across London and the UK, has been trying to secure permission a 24-hour premises license for the Leicester Square branch for some time now. However, they’ve faced quite a lot of opposition from The Metropolitan Police, who’ve expressed concerns about how the move could put additional pressure on policing. In a letter penned to the Westminster Licensing Team, the Met noted how an extension in hours would ‘likely contribute to an increase in crime’ in an area that is ‘already saturated with late-night licensed venues.’ Alongside McDonald’s, Leicester Square is also home to The Hippodrome Casino which is open 24/7 and a few different clubs such as Zoo Bar & Club and Rumba, both of which typically close at 3am. Latest London news Nevertheless, Westminster Council ultimately sided with CAG. An independent crime and disorder impact assessment submitted in July found that there was ‘no evidence’ that McDonald’s boosts crime in the area. In its argument to extend the branch’s hours, CAG also highlighted how the Leicester Square McDonald’s is the only accredited ‘Safe Haven’ premises in the immediate area. Safe Havens were introduced in the early 2010s following the murder of 16-year-old schoolboy Jimmy Mizen. Their purpose is to offer vulnerable individuals a safe space to receive support. Trained staff can help by contacting emergency services, friends, or relatives on behalf of anyone who feels unsafe. Safe Havens around the city can be spotted by looking out for a door or window sticker on display. According to CAG, keeping the Leicester Square McDonald’s open 24/7 means that more people will be able to use the building in a time of need. Leicester Square McDonald’s has revealed it’ll soon be open 24/7 (Picture: Getty Images) Which McDonald’s in London are open 24/7? Right now, it’s not clear exactly when McDonald’s Leicester Square will officially extend its hours. So, until then, here are some of the most popular McDonald’s in the capital capable of taking care of your chicken nugget craving at 3am. 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 Walthamstow Deals of the Day Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes Could your hair be wavy rather than straight? This brand thinks so Could your star sign improve your skincare routine? This new beauty launch thinks so Best skincare for menopausal skin? This dermatologist-created treatment is tailored to you Arrow MORE: Pubs in Westminster could soon be urged to discourage ordering at the bar Arrow MORE: Robotaxis nearing London debut after Uber nabs minicab licence Arrow MORE: Film poster banned from London Underground for ‘realistic depiction of dead child’ The Slice Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.