McDonald's has today (May 12) announced that customers will be able to eat-in from Monday. But the company is encouraging customers to order via the app and may still be limiting numbers.

Paul Pomroy, McDonald's UK and Ireland CEO, said: "We are delighted to be re-opening our dine-in areas. Monday is another big step forward for both England and Wales, and we'll be thrilled to see our customers dining-in and enjoying their meals with us – we know they have been eagerly waiting to get back. As the country starts to open back up more fully – so are we."

Safety has been at the forefront of decision making for McDonald's, with customers being welcomed back to dine in slowly and carefully. A staggered approach to opening means the business is asking all customers to check the website before they travel for that long-awaited dine-in experience.

Pomroy continued: "We have not had people dining-in for several months, so while we know our restaurant teams are incredibly excited to welcome customers back to our dine-in areas, we also want to give them time to adjust to the enhanced safety measures and procedures in place that will help protect our customers and our people."

Restaurants will reopen with table service only, and in some cases limited seating, to accommodate social distancing. McDonald's is strongly encouraging customers to order via the My McDonald's App where possible, meaning customers can order from their table and have their food brought to them. All customers will be asked to wear a face covering when entering the restaurant, unless they are exempt.

Looking forward, Pomroy acknowledged that there is some way to go before a full return to normality, and stated the importance of customers and restaurant teams continuing to support each other: "As we take this next step on the road to recovery, we know our restaurants and the communities they operate in will continue to look out for each other. We are working closely with government, and while we are moving in the right direction – we know there is still some way to go, and we must all make every effort to keep each other safe."

"We appreciate that the measures in place mean the McDonald's experience may be a little different to normal, and we are once again asking that our customers bear with us. Our customers' patience and support has been fantastic as we have navigated various challenges over the last year, and that has been hugely appreciated by us all."