Ever wondered what goes into a McDonald’s burger patty? The Counter is giving Londoners the chance to find out – and even make one themselves.
McDonald’s is taking fans behind the scenes of its iconic burgers with the launch of The Counter, a limited-time immersive butcher shop experience opening in Shoreditch, London, from 17–19 September 2026.
Created to showcase the ingredients and people behind McDonald’s beef burgers, the experience will recreate a traditional high street butcher shop, giving visitors the opportunity to see how the brand’s famous beef patties are made.
And for those who want to get properly hands-on, free masterclass sessions will allow guests to press their own burger patty, sample freshly cooked beef and take home the patty they have created.
What Is The Counter by McDonald’s?
Taking over 149 Shoreditch High Street, The Counter has been designed to answer one of the questions McDonald’s says it hears most often: what’s actually in its beef burger patties?
According to McDonald’s, its classic beef patties are made using whole cuts of 100% British and Irish beef, with only a pinch of salt and pepper added during grilling.
The experience will take visitors through the journey from farm to burger, with butcher’s blocks, cuts of beef and demonstrations showing how the patties are produced before making their way into McDonald’s restaurants across the UK and Ireland.
Visitors will also be able to learn more about the farmers and producers involved in McDonald’s supply chain, while experts from OSI Food Solutions, which produces McDonald’s beef patties, will be available to answer questions.
Make Your Own McDonald’s Burger Patty
For anyone who has ever wanted to get behind the counter themselves, The Counter will also host a limited number of free masterclasses.
Led by McDonald’s chefs and producers, the sessions will offer a closer look at the ingredients and production process before giving attendees the chance to press their own beef patty by hand.
Guests will then be able to sample freshly cooked beef and take home the patty they have made, alongside exclusive The Counter by McDonald’s merchandise.
The masterclasses are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so anyone hoping to take part will need to book ahead.
Book the counter by McDonald’s Masterclass Tickets on eventbrite
McDonald’s Celebrates British and Irish Beef
Beyond the hands-on experience, The Counter is also intended to highlight the farmers, producers and suppliers responsible for getting McDonald’s ingredients from farm to restaurant.
Owen Jones, Vice President of Supply Chain at McDonald’s UK & Ireland, said the experience is an opportunity to show customers how straightforward the recipe behind its beef patties is.
The Counter will give visitors the opportunity to speak directly with farming and production partners, explore the ingredients up close and learn more about McDonald’s approach to sourcing.
Find out more about McDonald’s farming and ingredient sourcing
When Is The Counter by McDonald’s Open?
The Counter is free to visit and will be open to the public for just three days:
Location: 149 Shoreditch High St, London, E1 6JE
Dates: Thursday 17 – Saturday 19 September 2026
Opening hours: 1:30pm–5pm
Entry: Free
Masterclass places are limited and must be booked separately.
Book A Free Masterclass at The Counter
With Londoners increasingly looking for experiences that offer more than simply grabbing a meal, The Counter could be an interesting way for McDonald’s fans to discover what happens behind the scenes – and get a little messy making their own burger in the process.
If you’re heading into Shoreditch this September, this is one unusual McDonald’s experience worth adding to the list.
