What Happened to McDonald’s Archway? | Truth Behind the Change

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The McDonald’s branch at 23 Highgate Hill in Archway has long been a familiar landmark for locals and visitors alike. When it suddenly closed its doors in October 2025, many questioned whether it was a permanent closure or just a temporary renovation.

This article explores the facts behind the change, clarifying the status of the Archway location and uncovering the story behind one of London’s most talked-about McDonald’s branches.

Why Did McDonald’s Archway on Highgate Hill Close?

For locals in the Archway area of North London, McDonald’s at 23 Highgate Hill, N19 5LP has long been a familiar spot for quick meals and late-night snacks.

So, when signs of closure appeared in October 2025, questions flooded online forums and local social media pages. Was the restaurant closed for good, or just undergoing maintenance?

Contrary to rumours of a permanent shutdown, the McDonald’s Archway location was temporarily closed for renovations starting 14 October 2025.

Many people mistook the closure notice for a permanent closure, especially as Google briefly listed it as such. However, the branch officially reopened on 16 October 2025, just two days later, with updates to its facilities and customer service technology.

What Is the History of McDonald’s Archway Location?

The Archway branch of McDonald’s has been a part of the community for decades, serving residents, students, and commuters from nearby Holloway, Highgate, and Tufnell Park.

Positioned on Highgate Hill, the location has long been a strategic one, nestled between residential blocks and high foot traffic from Archway Underground Station.

Previously praised for its spacious seating, helpful staff, and clean amenities, the branch built a loyal customer base. Google reviews over the years highlight customer satisfaction with both food and service:

“Good decor, spacious, plenty of seating, good staff, clean toilets.”
“Very good service at the till – usual standard of wrap, fries and milkshake.”
“The place is not bad, but you need to wait a while after ordering your food.”

Despite mixed feedback on wait times, it consistently maintained strong footfall due to its accessibility and wide menu.

What Services Were Offered at the Archway McDonald’s?

Before its renovation, McDonald’s Archway offered a full suite of modernised services in line with the brand’s nationwide strategy:

Mobile Ordering: Customers could place and pay for their orders via the My McDonald’s app, selecting take-away or Drive-Thru.
Wi-Fi Access: Free internet allowed dine-in customers to stay connected.
McDelivery®: Powered by Uber Eats, the restaurant allowed contactless delivery.
MyMcDonald’s Rewards: App-based loyalty rewards were redeemable for free food.
Mobile Deals: Regular offers were available through the app.
Customer Service Kiosks: Digital ordering kiosks streamlined the in-store experience.

What Is the “Golden Arches” and Why Is It So Iconic?

The McDonald’s brand is almost universally recognised by its “Golden Arches” logo, but few know how it came to be. Originally designed as architectural features in 1953, the arches were a physical part of the early restaurant buildings, meant to attract passing motorists.

By 1962, the arches had been stylised into an “M” shape logo, symbolising the initial of McDonald’s while retaining its original shape. The logo we know today was finalised in 1968, maintaining the double-arched look that’s now a global brand identifier.

Interestingly, there was once a proposal to retire the arches. A design consultant reportedly argued that their subconscious resemblance to nurturing symbols, even referencing “mother McDonald’s breasts”, would have a subliminal appeal. The company opted to keep the logo, which remains a powerful visual cue for food, familiarity, and comfort.

Is “Archway” Confused with “Archways to Opportunity”?

Yes, confusion often arises between McDonald’s Archway, the physical branch in London, and “Archways to Opportunity”, a corporate education programme run by McDonald’s in the United States.

Archways to Opportunity offers:

English language courses
High school diploma support
Tuition assistance for higher education
Career advice and development resources

While completely unrelated to the Archway branch in London, the similarity in name occasionally leads to confusion in online searches and AI-generated responses.

Are There Nearby McDonald’s Locations to Archway?

For those wondering where to go when McDonald’s Archway is closed, temporarily or otherwise, here’s a look at nearby locations:

Location	Postcode	Distance (Approx.)	Notable Services
Holloway Road	N7 6NJ	1.1 miles	McDelivery, Mobile Ordering
Kentish Town	NW5 2TJ	1.3 miles	Drive-Thru, Wi-Fi
Seven Sisters	N7 6AJ	1.4 miles	Take-Away, Mobile Deals

Each of these branches supports the My McDonald’s App and has a combination of delivery and dine-in options.

Will McDonald’s Archway Continue to Serve the Community?

Following its October 2025 reopening, McDonald’s Archway is back in operation, continuing to serve the local community with upgraded facilities.

There are indications that the short renovation aimed to enhance the customer experience with improved kiosks and cleaner interiors.

Additionally, McDonald’s often uses short closures to align branches with its sustainability goals, energy-efficient appliances, and customer convenience upgrades.

For those interested in employment, the branch also advertises job openings and encourages walk-in enquiries for potential applicants.

How Can Customers Stay Updated on McDonald’s UK Changes?

To keep track of operational hours, services, and deals at Archway and other locations:

Use the My McDonald’s App for mobile ordering, offers, and location updates.
Visit the McDonald’s UK Store Locator online to confirm whether your local branch is open.
Follow official McDonald’s UK social media accounts for announcements.

Conclusion: Is McDonald’s Archway Really Gone for Good?

No, McDonald’s Archway is not permanently closed. While its brief closure in October 2025 caused confusion, it has since reopened, reinforcing McDonald’s commitment to local service in North London.

The branch remains a popular destination for fast, reliable food, now enhanced by upgraded services and improved digital features. For anyone in or near Highgate Hill, McDonald’s Archway continues to offer the familiar favourites, with a fresh update.