A look back at Warrington’s Wimpy bar on Bridge Street in the 60s and 70s, including its relocation and fond memories from locals.
They tore down that building in the 70s. This made way for the Academy relocation. The new Bridge Foot construction needed the space. Wimpy later moved further up Bridge Street, near where Golden Square is now.
People remember the food fondly. Many liked the brown derby, and you can still get it. Wimpy has 70 restaurants across the country. The chain came to the UK in the 50s, and the Warrington Wimpy stayed open until the 70s.
Anne Richardson went there often in the 60s. She said there were interesting people there, and they always had fun. Sometimes they went to nearby pubs, namely the Cock and Trumpet and the Seven Stars.
Paula Jay Fond felt trendy eating there. It hosted “first dates” for teens. Jane Wellings’ mom worked there when she was young, and she loved the job.
Greg Podmore’s aunt and uncle managed that Wimpy. They were Stewart and Maureen Kelly, and they even lived there. Their apartment was above the restaurant, on the third floor, he thinks.
He visited as a kid and ate burgers and chips. He remembers the tomato sauce bottle shaped like a big tomato. Then he would visit his aunt and uncle upstairs.
He says they were always busy, and he rarely saw them together. He recalls his aunt and uncle’s flat in the round part of the building. There was seating by the window, and the views seemed wonderful back then.