THE future of a long-standing Colchester restaurant which has been part of the city for 40 years is uncertain after it closed its doors.
Wimpy, in the High Street, has been given a 'forfeiture notice' and is currently shut.
A forfeiture notice is when the landlord of a building regains possession from a tenant.
The Wimpy shopfront has two forfeiture notices stuck to its front door.
The store’s lights are off, and tables and chairs have been placed by the front entrance.
Wimpy is an American-themed diner known for its hamburgers, breakfasts, and more.
The Colchester branch opened in 1984 and has been in the city for the last four decades.
It is unclear if the closure is temporary or permanent.
Castle Ward councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor was surprised by the closure.
He said: “It’s very much part of the furniture. It has been a staple in our city centre for many years.
“It is a real shame. I remember it from when I moved to Colchester many years ago.”
Jez Dixon, the co-founder of Best Days Vintage, in Eld Lane, said it was always sad when a city centre business closes.
He said: “I didn’t grow up here, but even I know the Wimpy has been there since time began, as far as I can tell.
“It’s always sad. Lots of shops have come and gone in the time we have been here.
"It is particularly sad when one that has been here a long-time closes because it’s part of the city’s heritage."
According to the Wimpy website, the Colchester branch is now closed seven days a week.
Wimpy’s Clacton branch remains open.
The Gazette has repeatedly tried to contact Wimpy for comment.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel