Tim Hortons’ first ever UK drive-thru was opened in 2017, on Bury New Road, Manchester. They were enjoying a revival before the pandemic and this growth was turbocharged by strict Covid rules, with George Eustice, then the environment secretary, memorably describing them as “ made for social distancing”. There is a finite number of plots of land by a roundabout or busy bit of road, so we are seeing increased competition for locations and rents are going up.”ĭrive-throughs have been around in the UK since the 1980s when McDonald’s opened the first one in Fallowfield, Manchester, but they have not had the same impact here as in America, not least given a desire to reduce car use and tackle obesity. “There’s so much demand that supply can’t really keep up.
Thomas Rose, a co-founder of the real estate consultancy P-Three, describes demand as “going crazy”, with brands looking for more than 300 sites a year. The street food chain Chaiiwala recently opened the first Indian-themed venue in Bolton, Greater Manchester, serving aloo tikka burgers and masala chips to drivers, and the noodle bar Chopstix has just got the go-ahead for one at Markham Vale services in Derbyshire.Īnalysts say there is now a race for space. The fast-food chain Leon – which positions itself as a healthy option with its grilled halloumi wraps and baked fries – and the premium burger chain Five Guys have already taken the plunge.
It is the latest brand swapping high streets for A-roads and roundabouts as the drive-through begins to get a makeover, with other upmarket chains seeking to shake up the same old fare.
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