GILLINGHAM

McDonald's returns to Hempstead Valley, Gillingham

13 March 2024In Gillingham1 Minutes
The new McDonald's restaurant at Hempstead Valley. Photo: Hempstead Valley

McDonald’s has returned to Hempstead Valley with a new restaurant.

The fast food giant opened its latest branch at the shopping centre today (13 March).

It has taken over the former Bird restaurant, next to Frankie & Benny’s, which closed in December 2022.

The former Bird restaurant at Hempstead Valley

Guests including the Mayor of Medway Cllr Nina Gurung attended the opening ceremony.

The branch offers 26 spaces to sit, as well as takeaway and delivery options.

More than 100 jobs for local people have also been created.

Its opening hours are 7am to 11pm on Monday to Sunday.

McDonald’s recently submitted a premises licence application asking for permission to stay open until midnight – the outcome is not yet known.

Franchisee Gian Chahal (second from left) and McDonald's staff members. Photo: Cllr Nina Gurung

Behind the latest McDonald’s branch is franchisee Gian Chahal, who runs five restaurants in Medway and created over 500 jobs in the process.

Previously McDonald’s had a branch at the shopping centre in the early 2000s until it closed and became a car showroom.

The standalone building was later demolished and replaced by The Venue complex, featuring chains such as Nando’s, Bella Italia, Costa Coffee and Subway.