HOW THE GOLDEN ARCHES CONQUERED THE WORLD

"McDonald's has succeeded because they have brilliantly incorporated local flavours and ingredients – from the McRaclette in Switzerland to egg bulgogi burgers in South Korea and the Halloumi McMuffin in Jordan," says Gary He, photojournalist and author of McAtlas. "Without adjusting, without localising, without kow-towing to local tastes and local cultures, you can't do business on an international level, no matter how big or powerful you are."

New Zealand features twice - firstly for its iconic Kiwiburger - and secondly to highlight the Taupō Douglas DC-3 self-styled the 'World's Coolest McDonalds', with Gary agreeing it could be. "Where else can you eat McDonald's on an airplane?" There is, however, pretty stiff competition from the village of Sälen in western Sweden, home of the world's only ski-through McDonalds - aptly called McSki and the only golden arches location in the world which opens seasonally!

Kate Heddings of BBC Travel writes an interesting review (including lots of images for those who don't want to buy the book) and reveals how Gary He challenges assumptions about the global fast-food giant, which operates 42,000 stores in more than 100 countries and serves 65 million people a day.