A McDonald’s is often enjoyed as a snack on the way to an event or returning from a busy day at work.

It could be a parent’s treat to their children for good behaviour, a place to enjoy an ice-cream on a hot summers day, or a family meal on a weekend.

However, eating from the world’s most popular fast food restaurants is always a bit of a lottery.

You never know if the milkshake machine is going to be working or if you’re going to get hot, salty freshly cooked fries.

We’ve taken a look at the TripAdvisor ratings for McDonald’s across Cumbria. It’s fair to say the chain doesn’t pick up particularly good ratings.

Here’s a list of the best and the worst eateries in our region and what reviewers made of them.

McDonald’s Kendal – Stricklandgate

Rating: 2.5/5 (79 reviews)

One reviewer said: “Three weeks on the trot there has been no McFlurry’s. I’m sure the machine has been turned off. That’s all we went for. I tried calling first to check but got no answer. They’ve got more staff than customers.”

Another reviewer said: “Soggy chips, burger was warm not hot, the coffee wasn't too bad, overall disappointing it reminded me why I don't do fast food outlets such as these.”

McDonald’s – M6 Motorway Services at Killington

Rating: 3.0/5 (25 reviews)

One reviewer said: “I got food poisoning from the chicken. It made me really ill. I tried calling the branch at Killington Lake to make sure other people didn't get the bad food but got no answer.”

Another reviewer said: “We stopped here for a break on the way hot. It was what you expect in MacDonalds so no surprises. It is cheap fast food. What you don't expect is the peaceful setting and the view. Well worth a stop. Many people were eating outside on the grass and enjoying the summer sun.”

McDonald’s Barrow – Hindpool Road – Hollywood Retail Park

Rating: 2.5/5 (65 reviews)

One reviewer said: “Genuinely the worst McDonald’s I've ever been to. I would much rather drive to Ulverston McDonald’s where you are met with a friendly voice, correct order and COOKED fries!”

Another reviewer said: “Great service from the shift leader lovely dining experience will be coming back again absolutely exquisite burger and ice cream.”

McDonald’s Barrow – Dalton Road

Rating: 3.0/5 (33 reviews)

One reviewer said: “Staff are lovely, helpful and friendly. The place was clean and tidy, but the food was a different story. My Big Mac was stone cold, the chicken mayo sandwich was bland and cold, and the place was full of kids, so we ate it in the car.”

Another reviewer said: “Burger and fries were okay, coffee didn’t taste right and ended up pouring it away !!!!! Haven’t been back, plenty of alternatives.”

McDonald’s Ulverston – Oubas Hill, Canal Street

Rating: 1.0/5 (6 reviews)

One reviewer said: “I came here with my family to get our tea and everything was unavailable such as double cheeseburger, quarter pounder, garlic mozzarella bites, McChicken sandwich, all milkshakes and plenty more.”

Another reviewer said: “Absolutely filthy, it looked like it hadn't been cleaned for days. We were there for over an hour and no one cleaned a table the whole time we were there.”