McDonald's, the beloved joint for burger fans and home of the iconic Big Mac, dropped a bombshell on their Instagram last month, with the arrival of what they called a "new icon". Enter the Big Arch burger, McDonald's latest culinary creation, featuring a double helping of beef patties, topped with luxurious slices of white cheddar cheese, golden crispy onions, fresh shredded lettuce, and tangy pickles.

Unable to resist the allure of this 'iconic' addition, I made my way to McDonald's to put the Big Arch to the test against the fast-food giant's long-standing crowd-pleasers and to judge if it truly earned its spot among them. The Big Arch immediately impressed with its stature, dwarfing other McDonald's staples like the Big Mac. Its substantial size positions the Big Arch as the go-to option for those insatiable hunger pangs demanding nothing less than a satisfying feast. Distinguishing itself from the usual McDonald's fare, the Big Arch is crowned with a bun that's speckled with poppy seeds, a departure from the standard seeded offerings. While not revolutionising the flavour, the poppy seeds lend an enticing visual flair to the burger's aesthetic, reports Birmingham Live.

As I sank my teeth into the Big Arch for the first time, I encountered yet another delightful twist. Both the top and bottom buns are lavished with a unique signature sauce exclusive to the Big Arch.

This ensured an explosion of taste right from the first bite, a sensation that lingered with every mouthful.

The Big Arch is a must-try for sauce lovers, with its signature sauce generously smothering the burger. I found myself reaching for napkins as the distinct yellow sauce oozed out with each bite, leaving traces on my hands and the table.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the sauce had a bit more of a kick compared to other McDonald's sauces, like the famous Big Mac sauce. This unexpected twist added an extra layer of flavour to the Big Arch, making it a delightful addition to the burger.

Despite its unique taste, the Big Arch retains many of the classic elements we love in a traditional McDonald's burger. As a gherkin enthusiast, I was thrilled to see these familiar pickles included in the new offering, enhancing the overall flavour profile.

Adding to the texture, the burger is topped with shredded lettuce, providing an additional crunch.

This crunchiness is further amplified by crispy onions sprinkled over the patties, adding a subtle hint of extra flavour that I thoroughly enjoyed.

A key finishing touch is the slices of white cheddar cheese sandwiched between the top and bottom of the burger, lending a rich, creamy taste that one would anticipate from a McDonald's burger.

The Big Arch posed a significant challenge to polish off, with me feeling rather stuffed just halfway through. Yet, with its double beef patties, it's evident that the Big Arch was crafted to quench hunger.

At £7.99 for just the burger, it might be deemed quite fair considering its size and how satiating it is. It also distinguished itself for more than just its size - I found it to be an especially delicious meal and one that I would undoubtedly opt for again.