McDonald's might not be everyone's cup of tea, but having a 24/7 location at Stafford Southbound Motorway Services (Be advised that the Northbound services are operated by a different company and does not feature a McDonald's) is very useful, meaning they're always open for travellers regardless of the time providing hot food, and coffee, right off the motorway, granted motorway service areas must provide these services at all times, but this is better than a pre-packaged sandwich or a coffee from a machine etc.
The prices were not too inflated due to being inside the motorway services, and there was a good amount of seating in the communal seating area. In some ways, it is actually cheaper, as this location does not add a surcharge for lettuce, which most McDonald's seem to do now. (As of October 2023)
I was able to use my McDonald's rewards points to spend or earn here.
Service was reasonably fast from ordering and the staff were friendly.
As far as McDonald's goes, my food was actually pretty good and up to a good standard, I ordered a Medium Quarter Pounder with Cheese Meal (without a bun due to being gluten-free) with an Oasis, and the food was served hot and in good time with my modifications being accurate (Adding lettuce, removing the bun).
I also ordered a small fries, due to wanting to redeem some of my McDonald's Monopoly rewards from the ongoing promotion at the time of my visit, which was being heavily advertised.
I didn't like the packaging of the food, they appeared to put my burger in the cardboard salad box which squashed it down and made it harder to eat, compared to the traditional white tray which I prefer. The paper cutlery is also awful, but with plastic cutlery now being forbidden under UK law (They did make the change before legally required), it isn't all their fault.
The other members of my party ordered via the kiosk and also mentioned some of my compliments on the speed of service.
4* - Very good for a McDonald's, at least you know if you're looking to take a break while travelling on a motorway, to relax on a long trip, or just to pick up a quick bite, this is an option. read more