McDonald's opens new restaurant in Hatch Warren, Basingstoke

The latest branch of the fast-food giant officially opened it's doors in Hatch Warren Retail Park at 11am this morning, Wednesday, October 2.

The grand opening of the fifth McDonald's in town was attended by the Mayor of Basingstoke, Cllr Dan Putty, who cut the ribbon outside to a roar of applause.

Manager Kanishka Nasiri, 43, told the Gazette that he is "excited to take on a new challenge," having previously worked at McDonald's in Lombardy, Hayes.

READ MORE: UPDATES: Basingstoke's FIFTH McDonald's opening this morning

The Mayor cuts the ribbon (Image: Newsquest)

He said: I'm excited and have been looking forward to opening for the past few months. This is a new challenge after working an hour away in Lombardy.

"The soft launch yesterday went really well.

"We will do things to help the local area, including a litter pick."

Manager Kanishka Nasiri (Image: Newsquest)

Kanishka was proud to lead his new team, comprising of 55 staff, with plans to hire 10 more in the near future.

He said: "We have a great new, diverse team, a mixture of all ages and races."

One of the staff members is 17-year-old Shayla Wakes. She was excited to be a part of the opening day and said: "I love my job."

I love my job, said Shayla Wakes, 17 (Image: Newsquest)

Shayla is pictured in front of a 'Spin To Win' wheel and holding promotional vouchers which were distributed to customers as part of the event.

The first customer through the door was Daniel Carpenter, 68, from Popley.

Daniel Carpenter was the first customer (Image: Newsquest)

A retired labourer, who admitted he hates heights, made the trip from the other side of town to get cat food for Tigger, Socks and Simba and coincidentally ended up being the first customer.

He ordered a cheeseburger and a cappuccino and said: "It saves queuing, that's for sure."

Mother and son, Rita Saunders and Ricky Saunders, from Kempshott, are big fans of the chain, and came to the retail park especially for the occasion.

Rita explained that the area needed a place to eat, she said: "It's nice to have here, we came especially for the opening, I wasn't going to miss it.

Mother and son, Rita Saunders and Ricky Saunders (Image: Newsquest)

"We badly needed something this side of town so it's perfect and I'm glad it's McDonald's, I think it will do really well here."

Lesley Povey, Fiona Wassell and Jason Mavrodaris were among the first to visit the store. Fiona said: "I'm lovin' it."

Lesley Povey, Fiona Wassell and Jason Mavrodaris (Image: Newsquest)

As customers swarmed through the doors to get their Maccies fix, Paul Pigram and Lucretia O'Neil also turned up for the occasion and placed their favourite orders.

Paul told the Gazette: "It was actually really nice,  I ordered a philly cheese stack - the best one."

Paul Pigram and Lucretia O'Neil (Image: Newsquest)

The restaurant is located inside the unit previously occupied by Poundstretcher, which has remained empty since the store closed in October 2022.

It is the fifth McDonald’s restaurant in Basingstoke with others at the Top of Town, Brighton Hill Retail Park, the Leisure Park, and its most recent branch at Chineham Shopping Centre, which opened in May this year.

The restaurant was initially intended to be open 24 hours, however McDonald's withdrew the application after objections from residents, who raised concerns about antisocial behaviour, noise and traffic.