Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 7:00am

Email the studio

Pink

Just Give Me A Reason

Listen Live

Ripon MP makes cheeseburgers on visit to local McDonald's

Monday, 9 February 2026 21:24

Sir Julian Smith MP tries his hand at making a McDonald's cheeseburger.

Ripon’s MP swapped Westminster for the kitchen during a visit to a local McDonald’s restaurant.

Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP visited McDonald’s Ripon on Harrogate Road to meet staff and new franchisee Tom Atherton.

During the visit, Sir Julian spoke with Mr Atherton and members of the team about the current business environment and career progression within the restaurant, as well as holding discussions on the Government’s Employment Rights Bill and the importance of supporting both workers and local employers.

He also toured the restaurant and spent time in the kitchen, including trying his hand at making a cheeseburger.

Commenting, Sir Julian said:

“It was great to visit McDonald’s Ripon and meet Tom and members of the Ripon team.

"I was pleased to learn more about the jobs and training opportunities they offer for local people, and discuss the importance of getting employment rights balanced for both employees and employers. I will be taking up their concerns in Parliament.

"Thanks to the whole team for the welcome, and I can confirm that making a cheeseburger is harder than it looks.”

More from Local News

Wanted man could be in Harrogate or Ripon, say police

Police have launched an appeal to locate a 42-year-old man who could be in the Harrogate district.
Police appeal after man exposes himself to teen girls in Ripon

Police have launched an appeal following an indecent exposure incident in Ripon.
Harrogate hotel restaurant awarded Michelin star in 2026 guide

FIFTY TWO at Rudding Park has been awarded a Michelin star in the newly published 2026 Michelin Guide.
Harrogate running sensation bags second national title

Harrogate running sensation Simon Bordewich has claimed his second national title at the England Athletics Indoor National Championships.
New permanent wine bar and shop unveiled in Harrogate

A new independent wine bar and shop has officially been unveiled in Harrogate town centre.
Education Secretary hails Harrogate school's 'outstanding' SATs results

A Harrogate primary school has been recognised by the Secretary of State for Education for its SATs performance, following strong outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.
Starbeck café brings back free packed lunch scheme for people in need

A Starbeck café is set to relaunch a free packed lunch scheme during the school holidays to support people in the local community.
Knaresborough boxer claims national gold at youth championships

Knaresborough teenager Eddie “The Hammer” Large struck gold this weekend after winning the Under 80kg title at the England Boxing National Youth Championships in Rotherham.
Police crackdown amid fears of "nut jobs" riding dangerously on e-bikes and e-scooters

Police in North Yorkshire have seized more than 50 e-bikes and e-scooters amid concerns from community leaders that “nut jobs” riding the machines will kill and seriously injure someone.
Dozens attend meeting amid anger over school transport policy change

More than 60 people attended a meeting in a Yorkshire Dales village hall to discuss the impact of a new home-to-school transport policy on their rural community.
Update issued on Knaresborough viaduct 'landslip'

Emergency services and council teams are continuing to respond after a reported landslip at Knaresborough viaduct prompted safety checks and temporary disruption yesterday (Sunday).
Birstwith village shop and post office listed for sale

A much-loved shop and post office in Birstwith has been listed for sale.
Harrogate choir named national finalists for third consecutive year

The Harrogate Ladies’ College Chapel Choir will represent Yorkshire at the 2026 Barnardo's National Choir Competition, having secured a third consecutive appearance at the prestigious final.
Chairman admits 'deep disappointment' but urges faith in Harrogate Town

Harrogate Town chairman Irving Weaver has admitted he shares supporters' frustration with the club's league position - but insists the fight to remain in League Two is far from over.
Winter Olympics: Harrogate man captains Trinidad and Tobago bobsleigh team

A Harrogate man is captaining Trinidad and Tobago's bobsleigh team at the Winter Olympics, which begin today (Friday) in Italy.
Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White visits Harrogate restaurant

Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White has full of praise for a Harrogate fish and chip restaurant following a visit earlier this week.
Reasons behind the inevitability of above-inflation council tax rise at North Yorkshire Council

North Yorkshire councillors are expected agree a 4.99 per cent increase in their authority’s share of the council tax bill when they meet next week.
Harrogate named among world's most welcoming places

Harrogate has been named in Booking.com's 'Top 10 Most Welcoming Cities for 2026' - and is the only UK destination to feature in the list.
Police search for Ripon glasses thief

Police have released CCTV images of a woman following the theft of glasses from a Ripon shop.
Harrogate bus firm celebrates one year since launch of all-electric fleet

The Harrogate Bus Company is celebrating one year since the order of 41 state-of-the-art, eco-friendly vehicles was completed.