High Street residents celebrate new McDonald's before discovering cheeseburger vape

Excitement over a suspected new McDonald's on High Street has faded after residents discovered the smell of cheeseburgers was coming from a man outside a vape shop.

Locals had begun sharing news of the apparent opening after detecting what several described as "unmistakable signs of investment in the area".

"I could smell beef, cheese and a bit of pickle," one resident said.

"You don't get all three at once unless something significant is happening."

Within minutes, several people had started looking for an entrance, while one motorist joined a line of parked cars in the belief it was a drive-through.

The source was eventually traced to a customer trying a new cheeseburger-flavoured vape.

"I was just seeing whether I liked it," the man said.

The discovery came as a disappointment to residents who had already begun discussing the jobs, convenience and economic confidence a new restaurant might bring.

One local said he had spent 15 minutes deciding whether to order a combo before learning there was nothing available to eat.

"It's a difficult thing to process," he said.

"All the indicators were there. Except the restaurant."

The vape shop confirmed the product offered notes of meat patty, melted cheese and the single pickle that a Golden Arches cheeseburger offered.

Customers seeking a full meal experience could purchase a second device with a chips flavour, staff said. There was also a milkshake option, but the machine was broken.

A council spokesperson welcomed the interest in High Street and said the incident demonstrated the area's potential to attract people who believed lunch was available.

"People stopped, gathered and spent time in the city centre," the spokesperson said.

"From a place activation perspective, that's a very successful outcome."