Brixton’s McDonald’s has finally opened its doors after its three-week-long closure, showing a new and very Brixton-esque décor. Graffiti tags have replaced the block colours that adorn the walls of most stores, causing some are describing this drastic change as ‘edgy’. Could it be that McDonalds is turning to politics and is hoping to highlight the gang problem that exists in Brixton? I doubt it.

White graffiti markings cover the walls and lampshades, and while this is causing outrage in the Brixton branch it isn’t the only branch to have been reworked. Branches in Leicester, Northampton and Brighton are said to also have had this work done.

A spokesperson for the chain told LBC: “with self-order kiosks and free-to-use tablets, the refreshed Brixton store has digital innovation at its heart and provides customers with more choice in how they order and pay. We look forward to hearing what local residents think of their new store”.

Brixton is known for its diversity, vibrancy and, unfortunately, the growing issue of gentrification, but this attempt to highlight how ‘cool’ and different Brixton seems to have failed.

Disappointingly for the chain, it seems as though the local residents aren’t warming to this new design.

Housewife Kathy, 40, told us: “It just looks ridiculous. I bring my kids in here and I don’t want them to see that rubbish all over the walls. It’s bad enough when it’s done all over our streets but to put it in shops now? It’s silly. I’ve heard it’s because they’re trying to go along with ‘Brixton image’, whatever that means. I think it looks offensive”.

Jagtar, 22, an English student visiting the area said: “It’s just a bit embarrassing. Like they’re trying to be ‘down with the kids’, or connect with the locals but it’s just coming across as quite condescending. I mean, it’s not going to stop me from coming in I just think need to take a look at their design and maybe think about changing it.”