Review: I tried the reopened Wimpy in High Street

The business has a long history which spans decades, simply put, Wimpy has earned a place in the nostalgic memories of many Colchester residents who grew up in the 70s or 80s.

After being served a forfeiture notice from the landlord of the property, Wimpy has spent the last several weeks in a state of uncertainty as it had to remain closed.

Thankfully, it is now back serving customers, and The Gazette went to visit the establishment on Thursday.

Location - Wimpy in High Street (Image: Newsquest)

After popping myself down in a booth just before noon, I perused the restaurant’s varied menu.

Customers can enjoy a signature hamburger if you like beef, or if you’re not feeling up to it, you can pick from breaded chicken fillet burgers, fish in a bun, all-day breakfast, cod and chips, wraps, and more.

There are some veggie and vegan options on the menu as well.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the business also has a special offer on desserts where you can buy one get one free.

Desserts wise, there are many variations on the humble ice cream sundae, you can get a Eton Mess flavoured sundae and a brownie one.

Waiting - a booth at Wimpy (Image: Newsquest)

If you want something else, it also serves a waffle stack and ice cream.

As I sat perusing the menu, the diner had a scatter of families all tucked away in the booths.

The likes of Soft Cell, Annie Lennox, Whitney Houston, and other 80s legends soundtracked my experience at Wimpy as they rang out through speakers.

Not feeling adventurous in the slightest, I went safe, I picked the quarter pounder bacon and cheese which comes with a patty, cheese, lettuce and Wimpy’s special sauce.

Food - my meal at Wimpy (Image: Newsquest)

Restaurant - another image of the meal (Image: Newsquest)

It also came with red onion but given my distaste for it, I asked for it to be removed when a waitress asked me for my order.

The meal came with chips, and I ordered a Pepsi which went down a treat during the warm weather.

Presentation wise, the burger might not look quite like the adverts but on taste alone thanks to the signature sauce, it was rather flavoursome.

The chips were you average fast food fare. 

I also ended up ordering an ice cream cone with a flake. 

It was fantastic to see the staff courteously check in to make sure your meal is ok and whether you need anything else, it’s a simple gesture which goes a long way.

Summer treat - an ice cream (Image: Newsquest)

Many people have fond memories of Wimpy, I found the  restaurant’s décor slightly reminiscent of an American 1950s diner.

It was a pleasant atmosphere as staff bustled around behind from kitchen to counter.

After finishing my meal, I was pleasantly surprised with how the meal broke down cost wise.

The burger was £6.45, the regular chips £3.60, a Pepsi was £3.30, and an ice cream cone and flake was £3.50, resulting in the total price of £16.85.

Wimpy may not be the most in-demand location when compared to Nando's for example but it can provide a fine option for those looking for value and a quick sit-down meal.