Wimpy — Restaurant in Stafford

After a decision to hunt down one of the last surviving Wimpy outlets in the Midlands, we landed at 12:15 on Wednesday 18th October 2023.

For me, I had known of the Wimpy Bar's existence for many years, since our parents took my sister and I as kids, to Milford Common on an occasional Sunday afternoon. However, we had never visited, and my last Wimpy Experience occurred at their Birmingham Corporation Street Branch in March 1982.

On arrival, the popularity of the venue was undeniable: a steady queue of customers and a slight wait to gain access to one of four parking bays available. I couldn't recall the original arrangement but today's premises offers outside seating and a covered area adjacent to the main building - everything is now 'counters service' and 'Post-Covid' has retained security screens which arguably may have already been in place well beforehand.

Staff are helpful and very personable: the lady serving me explained that this particular site celebrates its 60th Anniversary of operations in 2024 - and I can see why. The food was delicious and plentiful - no 'fries' with a meal, genuine chips with optional salt and vinegar sachets included - and a quick request for Ketchup glady granted.

For an older operation, the food quality is streets ahead of comparable McDonalds offerings and although more expensive, passes with flying colours based upon the argument of 'what you pay is what you get.' It's gimmick-free too, so you can get on with enjoying your meal instead of being distracted by the latest banal offering pf 'Online Monopoly' or whatever other diversion exists to take your focus away from the crud you have just purchased from a lesser competitor.

I've not mentioned Burger King until now: a large number of former 'Counter Service' Wimpy Bars passed to the same chain in the early 1990s and in hindsight, this too was a retrogressive move: despite BK generally being regarded as an improvement over 'Maccies', even their best doesn't emulate the 'Wimpy' of yesteryear.

The next trip to a Wimpy Bar will be a mission - a trip to Shrewsbury to experience and capture the table service standard long since lost to high-speed catering's 'Factory...

*Edit 6 years on - old review at the bottom * Unfortunately the wimpy have dropped their booth service and now you have to order on an unintuitive screen app. In the time it took to queue for one of their two screens, I watched 2 people struggle to do their order, give up and leave. It is unfortunate as it alienates the less tech friendly of customers, and god knows how those with poor sight will cope now. I hope the wimpy reconsider this approach. Also, please add a "meal option" for the burgers, its a pain in the ass having to add a burger, track back to add a drink, track back again to add fries. It's bad UI.

old review I mean, who doesn't love the wimpy. The only thing I can fault it on is its lack of parking places but that cant be helped due to the location it's in.

For anyone who's never been the wimpy before, think McDonalds doubled in price but also doubled...

😋😋😋This wimpy is fabulous. In a great location and the food is real food well cooked. Tastes amazing.

It's been here years and is a much loved local venue. There used to be two more in Stafford. Very nostalgic and that's what's great about it. Wimpy is still here.

It's hygienic with food prep area screened off from outdoor insects etc. big plus. Good to see high hygiene standards.

Always cleaning up

Not too long waiting for food. Pleasant clean surroundings Good polite staff

Personally I'd prefer the salt and vinegar not to be inside the chip bag..salt goes damp.

Overall absolutely fabulous. Daughter thinks it's the best thing she's ever had. Other burger places can't compare. Wish they would sell the shake cups in plastic to take home..to have drinks in. Can't rate it highly...