McDonald's confirms return of cult favourite McRib to UK after nine years away

The McRib, which contains a boneless pork patty, shaped like ribs, covered in BBQ sauce, with onions, pickles, and a toasted bun, will be on sale in the UK for a limited time from later this month

The 1980s McDonald's cult sensation, the McRib, is making a UK comeback. The distinctive barbecue pork sandwich, featuring a boneless pork patty shaped like ribs and smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, topped with onions, pickles, within a toasted bun, first won fans' hearts when it was launched in 1981 but mysteriously disappeared from the menu after only a few years.

It has periodically reappeared to the joy of its aficionados, most recently seen in 2015 before it vanished once more - prompting a raft of calls for its revival. Priced at £4.49 alone or £6.19 with a medium extra value meal, the McRib's latest return can be savoured for a limited period starting on October 16.

Thomas O'Neill, the Head of Menu at McDonald's UK, said: "It is more than just a sandwich; it's a phenomenon. We have heard our fans loud and clear – the fan petitions and pleas on social - and after almost a decade of anticipation, we are thrilled to bring back this iconic menu item."

He noted the overwhelming public demand, saying, "Knowing how well-loved the McRib is, we had very little choice - we had to make it happen. It was time to step up and satisfy the cravings of McRib enthusiasts across the country."

This eagerly awaited return seemed teased via cryptic hints on the McDonald's app, with curious notifications and "error" messages sparking frenzied speculation among eagle-eyed fast food lovers on social media, reports the Mirror.

Last month, McDonald's celebrated 50 years in the UK by bringing back its iconic Grimace Milkshake. The milkshake, inspired by the famous purple McDonald's character Grimace, is a blend of blueberry syrup and a creamy milkshake base.

It was available for just one week from August 28 to September 3. McDonald's operates around 1,400 UK restaurants, with approximately 80% being franchised, and employs over 170,000 people.

In an update in August, McDonald's announced plans to open 200 new restaurants and create 24,000 jobs across the UK and Ireland by 2028, marking its largest expansion since 2002. However, the company has not yet disclosed any potential locations for these new outlets.

McDonald's also confirmed plans to upgrade its existing locations.