We tried the McDonald’s Chicken Big Mac - and it struggles to beat its beefy brother

Fast food lovers rejoice, the Chicken Big Mac has arrived in Newcastle as part of the new McDonald's menu.

It's proving to be a busy week for new arrivals on Tyneside with the Chicken Big Mac joining Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Bruno Guimaraes as new members of the Geordie community.

The new McDonald's menu arrives today, Wednesday, February 2, and adds 12 new items to the chain's products.

As well as a Double Big Mac and a McPlant, the much-loved Big Mac is getting a new sibling.

I went down to a bustling McDonald's in Gateshead on release day to try out the new burger that has everyone talking.

Already at midday, cars were backed up queuing in the drive thru and there was a lengthy line inside too.

Looking around, a number of people were munching their way through the Chicken Big Mac, with murmurs of, 'is it good?' echoing around the restaurant.

A Chicken Big Mac meal does cost customers a little more than the traditional Big Mac, priced at £5.89.

That, of course, includes a side and a drink.

Despite the business, the Gateshead McDonald's served customers quickly and was sat down with my Big Mac in no time.

The Chicken Big Mac looks exactly like its beef counterpart, just with battered chicken patties instead.

The one I was served was also laden with much more salad than usual.

To be honest, it tasted exactly as you would imagine and was more filling than the traditional Big Mac.

It did lose its shape easier, the thicker chicken patties causing a bit of a slip and slide with the layers.

Overall, I have to admit that I won't be rushing back to try the Chicken Big Mac.

It was a novel experience on menu launch day, but if something ain't broke, don't try and fix it.

The beef Big Mac remains the king pin in my eyes.

Another new addition to the menu is a salted caramel McFlurry.

Costing less than a pound, I added a small one to the menu, keen to satisfy my sweet tooth and give it a try.

The McFlurry was tasty and the salted caramel sauce a nice addition - something I'd certainly order again.