Your Harrogate Radio

4:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Razorlight

Golden Touch

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

Badly parked cars which block narrow roads should be towed, says councillor

Visitors to the Yorkshire Dales who block narrow country roads with badly parked cars should have their vehicles towed away, a councillor has told police.
Harrogate sisters reach national business awards finals

Two sisters from Harrogate have reached the national finals of one of the UK's most prestigious business awards after building a thriving lifestyle brand.
Harrogate school shares details of King Charles visit

For pupils and staff at Harrogate Ladies’ College (Duchy College from September), Tuesday 26th May will long be remembered as a day unlike any other, as the school welcomed His Majesty King Charles III.
Sir Gareth Southgate cuts ribbon of £21.9m build at Martin House

Martin House Children’s Hospice has officially opened the doors to its new-look building following the completion of a major £21.9m redevelopment project - THE BUILD.
Harrogate woman is seventh winner to scoop full tank of free fuel

Free Fuel Friday returned for seventh week this morning, giving residents the chance to scoop a full tank of free fuel.
Gyles Brandreth officially reopens historic rock garden at Newby Hall

Broadcaster, author and former MP Gyles Brandreth has officially reopened the historic rock garden at Newby Hall following a seven-year restoration project.
National finals success for Ripon netball star

Ripon teenager Betsy Radcliffe has achieved national success after helping her Grangetown club qualify for the U14 National Finals.
Plan to improve maintenance of Knaresborough Castle amid claims of neglect

A plan to improve the maintenance of Knaresborough Castle is being prepared amid concerns that the historic venue has suffered years of neglect.
Hampsthwaite garage recognised at national awards

A garage in Hampsthwaite has been recognised at a national industry awards ceremony.
Harrogate firm's electric buses exceed 5 million kilometres

A Harrogate-based bus operator is celebrating five million kilometres of travel for its electric bus fleet.
Brick sculpture trail to be installed at RHS Harlow Carr

A new brick-built sculpture trail will be installed at RHS Harlow Carr this summer.
New student leaders announced at top-performing Ripon school

An enthusiastic new team of student leaders has been appointed at the top-performing state school in Ripon, selected from an outstanding field of candidates.
Harrogate Town Council calls for changes to community funding process

Harrogate Town Council has called on North Yorkshire Council to review how community funding linked to new developments is managed and communicated.
Grantley Hall to extend estate after 44-acre acquisition

Luxury Ripon hotel Grantley Hall has announced the acquisition of 44 acres of mixed-use land and property adjoining its existing estate.
Former rugby player to pass through Harrogate as part of record 200 marathons in 100 days

A former professional rugby player whose career was ended by a traumatic brain injury is set to pass through Harrogate as part of an ambitious world-record attempt.
Harrogate dancer talks 'crazy' Britain's Got Talent journey as group places eighth

A dancer from Harrogate has described her journey to the final of Britain's Got Talent as a "crazy experience" after her group finished eighth in the competition.
Free train tickets to help families beat the 'back to school' squeeze

Train operator Northern has launched a new scheme to help children get confident on the train ahead of the big secondary school move.
New golf performance venue set to open in Harrogate

A new indoor golf performance venue is set to open in Harrogate later this year.
Winners revealed for Harrogate Hospitality and Tourism Awards 2026

Harrogate's hospitality industry gathered at the Royal Hall on Monday for the latest instalment of the Harrogate Hospitality and Tourism Awards 2026.
Funding awarded to transform landmark Harrogate church

A landmark Harrogate church has secured funding to help transform it into a community hub, heritage attraction and visitor information centre.