Reporter Lucy Marshall walked passed her local Wimpy chain without going in for two decades – now, she has shared what she thought of the long-standing high street icon after trying it for the first time
It’s a sorry site in many high streets around the, UK as a number of long-running independent shops and eateries have disappeared, as well as big name brands such as Debenhams, Comet, BHS, and Woolworths – but old-fashioned fast-food chain Wimpy has survived them all.
Although Wimpy is seen as something of a British institution, it actually originated in Bloomington, Indiana in the US, with the name itself coming from the J Wellington Wimpy character in the Popeye cartoon strip of the 1930s.
The first UK branch launched in London in 1954, and celebrated its 70th birthday on May 1. At its peak the burger chain had more than 500 branches. Since then a number of chains have sadly closed, but 61 eateries remain open, including in Essex, London, Buckinghamshire, Devon, Dorset and Yorkshire.
Mirror reporter Lucy Marshall, who lives in Leeds, was shocked to learn that she had walked past a Wimpy, one of only two left in the entirely of Yorkshire, in her hometown of Huddersfield for years without ever going in. Feeling left out of knowing why the long-standing restaurant chain has such an iconic name, she went to check it out for herself.
Looking at the exterior of the King Street eatery, the only one left in West Yorkshire, and all the burger posters in the front window, I was expecting Wimpy to be like an other fast-food joint. You go up to the till to order, eat out of cardboard boxes or get your burger in a wrapper, are provided with sauces in packets and drink in plastic cups. But I was stunned that it was completely the opposite.
“Hi, are you eating in?” a friendly man wearing a sweet flatcap asked as I entered the establishment. “Yes please,” I answered – expecting that he would ask what I want to order and pass me my order on a tray for me to take and sit down.
“Let me take you to your table,” the polite server said. He immediately gave me a menu and asked if I needed anything to drink to start. Sorry, but am I in a five-star restaurant? It felt like I was out in Leeds at a San Carlo chain. I was so impressed by the customer service from the jump and shocked by the real restaurant-style experience.
It was really refreshing not feeling like you are in a dirty, chaotic fast-food eatery. Just because you want cheap junk food doesn’t mean that you cannot have a lovely experience.
I was delighted to get a glass with ice for my sparkling water as well as a knife and fork wrapped neatly in a napkin. Some people really don’t care about small things like this, but I really appreciate it. I think the old-school traditional style is much better than the rushed ‘in and out’ method many eateries adopt in this day and age.
I smiled as I heard up-beat music playing and saw plenty of couples coming in for a lunchtime date. There was definitely a noticeably an older crowd, and at 26 years old I was no doubt the youngest one in the joint, which I was quite surprised about. I thought the American-style diner would be filled with noisy teens – but it was pretty pensioner-packed.
It made me sad to see that the likes of KFC and McDonald’s packed at a similar time, but Wimpy’s had plenty of free tables which were impeccably clean. While the interior is a little dated I think it works with the American-diner style. A small revamp wouldn’t hurt but I think the interior is perfectly fine.
And while you could argue that other chains offer a quicker service, you can get takeaways at Wimpy’s and my food came out at a reasonable pace – I waited about five minutes. The menu has plenty of choice from beef burgers, chicken burgers, no beef burgers, Whimpy grill, fish and chips, sausage, egg and chips, wraps, and a number of sides. The joint also offers all day breakfasts and a tea and cake offer for £3.95. What’s more, there are a number of desserts and milkshakes. It really is an anytime of day place.
For years I have gone to McDonald’s for the McChicken Sandwich meal – a classic – so I thought I would see how Wimpy’s own chicken burger compared. I ordered the Chicken Stack burger – including a breaded chicken fillet, hash brown, cheese, red onion, lettuce, in a white bun.
I was buzzing when I saw that you can get sweet potato fries instead of regular ones – a treat often served in trendy eateries alongside your meal. Wimpy’s isn’t so old-school after all! I also ordered a portion of three chicken strips.
The chicken strips were pretty average and tasted like any other I’ve had at a fast-food chain, but the burger – wow. It was so tasty, and felt really fresh. Let’s be real, most of the time the burgers at fast food establishments have come from frozen or have been cooked as part of a big batch. This burger tasted like it had been cooked fresh just for me. It immediately trumped my go-to Maccies order. Why have I neglected Wimpy’s? I cannot believe I have never been before.
My waiter could not have catered to me more – checking if I need any extra sauces, was keen for a dessert, and if I was enjoying my meal. Afterwards I paid at the till and my bill came to £18.05 for a drink, chicken strips, burger and fries. While this price is quite high for fast-food, it is evident that you are not just paying for a delicious meal, but the impeccable service. I would much rather spend a little bit extra for fresh food and great service than less but been stuck in a never-ending order queue, sit on dirty seats, surrounded by chaotic crowds.
I cannot comprehend why more people do not hype about Wimpy chains more. After speaking to my friends of the same or similar ages, they too had never had a Wimpy experience. I never see people raving about it on social media, and they should! I really hope that the Wimpy name survives on our high streets for as long as possible as it is such a dark horse.
Are you a Wimpy fan? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
