The iconic British burger chain has been around since 1954, offering nostalgic fast food across the UK
Everyone adores a burger and I’m certainly no different, but since relocating to London from New Zealand twelve months ago, there’s one burger I’ve yet to sample. Wimpy is a legendary chain that, from what I gather, provides plenty of nostalgia for British people.
Wimpy originated in America but became hugely popular throughout the UK and South Africa. It actually ceased trading in the US during the 1970s, but Wimpy continued to flourish on this side of the Atlantic.
By the close of the 1980s, Wimpy was losing market share to McDonald’s, though 61 branches remain operational across the UK today.
I’m fortunate enough to have a Wimpy just down the road from my home in South London, so I decided to pop along and experience it for myself. The ambience inside the establishment was somewhat dreary – whilst it was clean, the natural light from outside didn’t appear to reach the interior depths of the venue.
Two customers were seated inside having a conversation, and the staff were quick and professional – despite their card machine being out of order, meaning I had to wait for a rather brusque woman to arrive and repair it before I could settle my bill.
She was effective, however, and within ten minutes, my wallet was £10.80 lighter, and I was heading home clutching a brown paper bag containing my cheeseburger and chips. I’d also purchased a 7Up in a paper cup, which sloshed out with every step I took.
By the time I arrived home, roughly a quarter of my beverage had leaked out over my hand, but my burger and chips remained undamaged – though slightly doused in lemonade. I arrived famished and eager for a bite of quintessential British nostalgia.
Unfortunately, British nostalgia seems to possess what I can kindly describe as a subtle flavour.
The chips were soggy, as though they’d been heated in a microwave instead of a proper fryer, and there wasn’t a trace of seasoning anywhere. I suspect I was meant to season them myself using the salt and pepper provided on the tables, but I hadn’t realised this was expected.
They tasted of potato as chips should, but a touch of salt would have been appreciated.
As for the burger, the presentation was decent. It genuinely resembled a burger, rather than something that had been tossed from a car window and scraped off the pavement as certain takeaway burgers (McDonald’s) frequently appear.
The patty was disappointing – wafer-thin, rubbery and equally devoid of flavour. Despite all that, I surprisingly found myself somewhat enjoying it.
I appreciate a gourmet burger as much as anyone, but occasionally you simply crave something swift, inexpensive and unremarkable. It was nowhere near the best thing I’ve consumed, but I was hungry and it fulfilled its purpose.
The vegetables were crisp, even if the bun and patty seemed capable of surviving a nuclear apocalypse. On balance, I’d award Wimpy Burger a respectable 5/10.
There’s certainly scope for enhancement, and I can’t claim I’ll return – but ultimately, even a substandard burger is still a burger.
