50 years ago McDonald's opened in Woolwich

Missed It

I used to work at Woolwich McDonalds (Oh MY GOD, nearly 40 years ago!)  Our cat would go mad trying to lick me when I got in from a shift as 6 hours on grill left me emitting a particulary charming odour of beef lard and onions.

SuedeAdidas

Missed It said:

I used to work at Woolwich McDonalds (Oh MY GOD, nearly 40 years ago!)  Our cat would go mad trying to lick me when I got in from a shift as 6 hours on grill left me emitting a particulary charming odour of beef lard and onions.

Carlsberg don’t make after shave……..

Oliver Street

I applied for a Saturday job there in 1974 but was rejected as 'I wasn't doing enough A Levels'. More likely it was because of the long hair and Afghan coat!!

LenGlover

Mate of mine was probably the first UK employee to be sacked as he lasted part of the opening night in Woolwich.

ro_addick

killerandflash said:

https://diamondgeezer.blogspot.com/2024/11/mcdonalds-in-woolwich-at-50.html

Nice blog piece here. The McDonald's in Woolwich was their first ever in the UK. The first 50 customers after 11am today will receive a complimentary medium meal.

Cheers Killer, top blog indeed, and many a top memory for me, personally, to be sure. I was the Powis Street Store Manager, '82-'86. May well have met many Lifers there, back then. For me, it was a privilege to work in the First (of many now).
 I well remember a Christmas staff disco we held at the Valley Club portacabin, early 80's. What a buzz and a half that was! Anyway, just grand to reflect on much value added from times past, both McDonalds and our Club. 

ro_addick

killerandflash said:

https://diamondgeezer.blogspot.com/2024/11/mcdonalds-in-woolwich-at-50.html

Nice blog piece here. The McDonald's in Woolwich was their first ever in the UK. The first 50 customers after 11am today will receive a complimentary medium meal.

First rate blog, @killerandflash...great to see and think back on it all, times past as were 'round Woolwich. I'm sure Powis Street traders got a 'serious' legup, post #1 opening. 

Covered End

Missed It said:

I used to work at Woolwich McDonalds (Oh MY GOD, nearly 40 years ago!)  Our cat would go mad trying to lick me when I got in from a shift as 6 hours on grill left me emitting a particulary charming odour of beef lard and onions.

I worked in Woolwich from 1980-83 and a Charlton fan that I recognised at the time worked there.
I used to pay for a burger and chips & he always gave me double.

Ginger haired stocky chap would have been about age 20.

Covered End

ro_addick said:

killerandflash said:

https://diamondgeezer.blogspot.com/2024/11/mcdonalds-in-woolwich-at-50.html

Nice blog piece here. The McDonald's in Woolwich was their first ever in the UK. The first 50 customers after 11am today will receive a complimentary medium meal.

Cheers Killer, top blog indeed, and many a top memory for me, personally, to be sure. I was the Powis Street Store Manager, '82-'86. May well have met many Lifers there, back then. For me, it was a privilege to work in the First (of many now).
 I well remember a Christmas staff disco we held at the Valley Club portacabin, early 80's. What a buzz and a half that was! Anyway, just grand to reflect on much value added from times past, both McDonalds and our Club. 

Just read this.
Maybe it was you?

ro_addick

No, in fact not me to be sure, @Covered End...though not sure who that might have been all these years past. 

SoundAsa£

Bedsaddick said:

If i remember most Wimpy's in South London were run by Italian's

Incorrect…..they were mostly Turkish.

ShootersHillGuru

I remember going to the opening and hanging around for a bit before heading off to The Prince Albert.

DaveMehmet

ShootersHillGuru said:

I remember going to the opening and hanging around for a bit before heading off for a Prince Albert.

Friend Or Defoe

Best fast food is Morleys. 

Karim_myBagheri

Wimpy is an odd one. They have opened up quite a few across the country recently including one in Tonbridge. Every time I walk pass it there's very few people in there. Not sure how they can afford to keep it going and expanding. Been once myself for old times sake and was surprised by the price they charge. Up end on the fast food scale. Similar to KFC. 

ValleyGary

Friend Or Defoe said:

Best fast food is Morleys. 

Morley’s nice for the price, but Pepe’s Chicken is my new favourite.

SporadicAddick

Chick-fil-A is on its way to the UK.

Big fan of their Chicken sandwich (they get very confused if you ask for a Chicken burger).

sam3110

My favourite thing about Morleys was the one in Lewisham that had a sign underneath that just said "Mmm it tastes...."

Friend Or Defoe

The best thing about Morelys are the fake ones. There's a display about them in the museum in the Lewisham centre.

They've also hit the big time.

redbuttle

iaitch said:

I feel the same way about Lewisham.

How dare you...

fadgadget

I Dont really remember all the Fanfare of the Woolwich branch opening , my first experience was with the Charing Cross one , maybe its because i spent so much time over at the Royal festival Hall Skateboarding in the 70`s , then pop over for a Maccy D`s before the train home .  

HastingsRed

fadgadget said:

I Dont really remember all the Fanfare of the Woolwich branch opening , my first experience was with the Charing Cross one , maybe its because i spent so much time over at the Royal festival Hall Skateboarding in the 70`s , then pop over for a Maccy D`s before the train home .  

Often popped into the Charing Cross one when we were away in London.

ct_addick

Remember this clearly.......tried to get my parents to take me but were not having it......my mum had high standards as a culinary arts teacher