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From Seaside to Studio: Is the UK Entering a New Golden Age of Holidays?

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The Philly Cheese Stack and Twix Latte: McDonald's New Menu Additions You Need to Try

Paul Francis
Sep 5, 2024
2 min read

McDonalds Cheese Stack and Mozzarella Dippers

Yesterday, McDonald’s introduced an exciting new range of menu items across the UK, including an entirely new drink and the return of some fan-favourite offerings. The latest addition to the menu is the never-before-seen Twix Latte, a coffee-based drink infused with Twix-flavored syrup, topped with caramel cream, and finished with a sprinkle of Twix crumbs. Priced at £2.69 for a medium and £3.29 for a large, this drink promises to satisfy both your caffeine and chocolate cravings.

Alongside the new latte, McDonald’s has brought back the popular Philly Cheese Stack burger and Mozzarella Dippers. The Philly Cheese Stack, a hit when it debuted last October, is packed with two beef patties, a rich cheese sauce, two slices of cheese, crispy and grilled onions, and pickles, all served in a toasted bun. It’s available for £5.29 on its own or £7.19 for a medium meal.

The Mozzarella Dippers, which are breadcrumb-coated mozzarella sticks served with a salsa dip, return in packs of three for £2.39 or a sharebox of nine for £6.49. Other returning favorites include the Chicken Big Mac, Galaxy Chocolate McFlurry, and Twix Caramel McFlurry, offering even more variety to the McDonald's experience.

Yesterday, we went to sample some of these new and returning items ourselves, opting for the Mozzarella Dippers and the Philly Cheese Stack. The Mozzarella Dippers are one of those items that can be hit or miss, depending on how fresh they are. When freshly made, as they were during our visit, they were warm, gooey, and satisfying. However, once they cool down, they lose their appeal, becoming cold chunks of cheese encased in breadcrumbs. If you're dining in, these can be a worthwhile choice, but if you're planning to take them away, you may be left disappointed.

My McDonalds order of Philly Cheese Stack and Mozzarella Dippers

The Philly Cheese Stack, on the other hand, is a standout. It first launched last October and immediately became one of my favourite burgers at McDonald’s. The combination of beef patties with both grilled and crispy onions gives it a unique "fairground" burger vibe, unlike anything else on the menu. The patties are distinct in size—not as thick as a Quarter Pounder, but not as slim as those in a Double Cheeseburger—and the creamy cheese sauce elevates this burger to near gourmet status. I personally would love to see this become a permanent fixture on the menu.

If you haven’t had the chance to try these new items yet, I recommend giving them a go. Whether you’re craving something sweet like the Twix Latte or looking to indulge in the rich, savoury flavours of the Philly Cheese Stack, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

From Seaside to Studio: Is the UK Entering a New Golden Age of Holidays?

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17 April 2025

Paul Francis

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With Universal Studios bringing blockbuster magic to Bedfordshire, Britain’s holiday landscape may be on the brink of a transformation. But what does this mean for our beloved seaside resorts - and what’s next for the Great British getaway?

Blackpool Tower silhouette against an orange sunset over the sea, with a pier and Ferris wheel in the background, creating a serene, warm mood.

A Hollywood Blockbuster Comes to Bedfordshire

There’s a palpable buzz in the air. Universal Studios - famed for its cinematic experiences in Florida, Hollywood, and Japan - is set to open its first-ever theme park in the UK. Landing in Bedfordshire, just an hour north of London, the project will be a game-changer not just for thrill-seekers, but for Britain’s entire domestic tourism economy.

Scheduled to open in 2031, the £multi-billion development promises immersive worlds based on James Bond, Paddington Bear, and possibly Middle-earth itself. While Harry Potter is off the table due to Warner Bros. exclusivity in nearby Leavesden, the resort will feature state-of-the-art attractions, a 500-room hotel, retail and dining districts, and a dedicated train station to ease the expected footfall.

With over 476 acres of space, it’s poised to become the largest theme park in Europe, creating more than 28,000 jobs and injecting an estimated £50 billion into the UK economy by 2055.

This isn’t just another amusement park - it’s the start of a shift in the UK’s holiday culture.

The Staycation Renaissance: A Market in Motion

Brits have always had a love-hate relationship with the staycation. But recent years, fuelled by climate anxiety, Brexit, the pandemic hangover, and now the cost-of-living crisis, have rekindled a nostalgic affection for home-grown holidays. According to ABTA, more than half of UK holidaymakers are opting for domestic trips, citing environmental concerns, affordability, and convenience.

In fact, UK holidaymakers are booking earlier than ever, with a 76% rise in early bookings for 2024. “Slowcations” are also booming - longer, more mindful breaks in places like Cornwall, Norfolk, and the Lake District. Many are even bypassing the peak summer rush and heading away in spring and autumn to find better value and quieter shores.

Seaside Resorts: Old Charm, New Challenges

As Universal’s cranes prepare to rise in Bedfordshire, the UK’s traditional holiday resorts face a fork in the road.

Brighton & Hove continues to thrive, topping Airbnb’s 2024 list for the most desirable UK staycation destinations. It’s a city that has mastered the art of reinvention - equal parts bohemian, beachy, and boutique.

Blackpool, despite years of economic struggle, still pulls in over 20 million annual visitors and contributes £1.7 billion to the local economy. With its piers, tower, and unapologetically retro charm, it holds a special place in the national psyche.

Yet not all resorts are riding the wave. Torquay, once the "Queen of the English Riviera", has struggled with declining footfall, tired infrastructure, and a high number of empty retail units. Others like Rhyl, Skegness, and Morecambe are engaged in long-term regeneration battles, hoping to reawaken their mid-century glory days.

A Tale of Two Futures?

The arrival of Universal Studios may signal a shift from nostalgia-fuelled, heritage-led tourism to blockbuster-based holidaymaking. But does this mean our seaside towns will fade into obscurity?

Not necessarily.

Instead, the smart money may lie in blending nostalgia with innovation. Towns that embrace sustainable tourism, cultural rejuvenation, and experiential travel are finding a new audience. Folkestone, for instance, is enjoying a quiet renaissance thanks to investment in its creative arts scene and the restoration of its grand hotels.

Meanwhile, holidaymakers are increasingly mixing experiences - choosing a week in the countryside or coast followed by a short break at a theme park or city destination. The UK may be small, but it’s never been more varied in what it offers.

What It All Means for the Great British Holiday

The launch of Universal Studios in the UK isn’t a threat to our seaside heritage - it’s a catalyst. This is a reminder that domestic holidays can be aspirational, high-quality, and world-class.

But if Britain is entering a new golden age of holidays, it must be inclusive. That means investment not only in blockbuster destinations like Bedfordshire, but in places like Scarborough, Margate, and Weston-super-Mare. It means creating transport links that connect cities to coasts and supporting independent businesses that give these towns their soul.

Universal may bring the stars - but the heart of the Great British Holiday still beats by the sea.

Sidebar: Top 5 UK Staycation Trends to Watch

Theme Park Tourism – Expect a boom in travel tied to Universal Studios, Legoland, and Warner Bros Studio Tour.
Slowcations & Wellness – Mindful travel to peaceful destinations like the Lake District or Norfolk Broads.
Heritage Seaside Revival – Towns investing in regeneration, arts, and culture to attract new demographics.
Eco-Conscious Travel – Low-carbon holidays, rail-based travel, and locally sourced stays.
Activity Holidays – Sportcations, paddleboarding weekends, and cycling-friendly routes are on the rise.