ONE of the largest fast food chain’s play areas to feature inside a fast food chain restaurant is to open in Basingstoke.

On May 27, McDonald’s in Market Place will officially open a new, free-to-use Playland for children on its second floor.

The attraction, featuring brightly-coloured slides, climbing frames and tunnels, will be able fit up to 172 children at one time, making it one of the largest in a McDonald’s in the UK.

McDonald’s franchisee Tony Bennett, who owns and operates three restaurants in Basingstoke, said: “I’m thrilled to be opening the new Playland in Basingstoke.

“I look forward to seeing the customer reaction and hope it will be a beneficial addition for the local community, especially for families with young children.”

The restaurant is also changing in other ways with more seating to be provided along with extra self-service kiosks and free-to-use tablets and mobile phone charging points A new customer lift will also be installed to enable easier access to Playland.

The planned changes are expected to create 10 new jobs.