Cars waiting outside the Business Park (Image: Liverpool ECHO)
Wendy’s, the iconic American fast-food chain, has returned to the UK over the past few years, bringing its food to our shores to rival other fast-food giants.
Liverpool ECHO’s Ellen Kirwin headed off to the branch in Kirkby, Merseyside, for the restaurant’s grand opening, joining throngs of foodie fans looking to tuck into Wendy’s distinctive square burger.
The chain opened a permanent spot in Kirkby following the success of its delivery kitchen it set up at Gravity Max in Liverpool ONE in 2023.
Ellen was lucky enough to be among some of the first people to test out the food at the drive-thru.
This is how her experience at historic US fast-food chain went.
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Wendy’s in Kirkby (Image: Liverpool ECHO)
“I decided to investigate the hype but found it impossible to even approach the restaurant.
“Cars were lining up outside the Academy Business Park on County Road to access the drive-thru.
“Putting my belly first, I decided to give it a miss and opted for a quicker tea at home, but I wasn’t put off, and decided to try again the next day.
“Arriving on Thursday, August 1, the line of cars was smaller but still snaking around the restaurant and out into the business park.
“I didn’t fancy sitting in the stream of cars so decided I’d park up and go and see what it was like inside.
“While the queue was still out of the door, it was moving quickly as customers could order for themselves on the handy self-service screens.
Wendy’s in Kirkby (Image: Liverpool ECHO)
“Inside, the décor was basic but light and cool which was much needed on one of the rare hot summers days we have been able to enjoy.
“There was also plenty of seating outside for those who prefer to make the most of the nice weather.
“The ordering process was easy enough and now it was time to wait for our number to appear on the screen above the collection counter.
“From placing my order to getting my food I was pleasantly surprised that I only waited around 10 minutes – it was certainly fast food.
“Tucking into my meal I realised very quickly that I’d got Wendy’s very wrong.
“I had always thought it was a McDonald’s or Burger King alternative, just another fast food restaurant to add to the list of many.
“However while tucking into my Baconator, I appreciated it was more of a Five Guys-style burger.
Wendy’s in Kirkby (Image: Liverpool ECHO)
“Sometimes in other fast food restaurants, adding bacon to a burger is lacklustre and gimmicky.
“The bacon is usually thin and doesn’t improve the overall taste of the burger – McDonald’s is certainly guilty of this in my opinion.
“However in Wendy’s, the Baconator comes with six pieces of crispy Applewood smoked bacon, essentially a bacon sandwich and burger hybrid.
“Combined with half a pound of beef patty, cheese, ketchup AND mayo, it was my ideal burger.
“It was on the messy side – but only because it was filled to the brim.
“For my side I opted for the jacket potato for something different and it was fluffy inside but crispy on the outside, but I did steal a chip from my partner and they were also great.
“Overall, if I had a choice between Wendy’s and McDonald’s in the future, I’d go for Wendy’s in a heartbeat.
Wendy’s in Kirkby (Image: Liverpool ECHO)
“I’ve sat in a fairly empty McDonald’s before today and waited 20 minutes for a standard burger, however a clearly stretched and busy Wendy’s was able to serve me a quality burger much quicker, as people queued out the door.
“The Baconator Combo meal, with side and drink included cost £14.69 for large while the Dave’s Double large meal costs £12.59.
“It’s been confirmed that Wendy’s brand ambassadors will be promoting the restaurant in and around Kirkby and Liverpool city centre on Saturday, August 3, offering exclusive deals.
“There are 5,000 coupons available, including 2 x Dave’s single medium combo meals for £12, free medium breakfast potatoes with any purchase, and a buy one, get one free offer on 10-Piece Nuggs (classic or spicy).
“In addition to Wendy’s signature square burgers and Frosty desserts, other options include breakfast sandwiches, sausage, egg and cheese croissants, spicy chicken nuggets, Caesar chicken salads and more.
“Exclusive additions to the UK menu include the avocado chicken club, curry bean burger, and chicken nuggets made from whole chicken breast fillet.
- Baconator: A half-pound of British beef, American cheese, six pieces of crispy Applewood smoked bacon, ketchup, and mayo.
- Dave’s Single: A quarter-pound of British beef, American cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, pickle, ketchup, mayo, and onion on a toasted bun just the way Dave (Wendy’s founder) intended.
- The Spicy Chicken Sandwich: A juicy chicken breast marinated and breaded in fiery blend of peppers and spices to deliver more flavour inside and out, cooled down with crisp lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
- The Curry Bean Burger: Their signature black bean patty that’s mixed with chickpeas and vegetables, topped with Monterey Jack cheese, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce and curry mayo, on a toasted bun.
- Frosty: Wendy’s Signature dessert – cool, creamy and refreshing – thick enough to use a spoon, smooth enough to use a straw. Available in vanilla and chocolate.
- Baconator Fries: The natural-cut, skin-on, sea-salted fries topped with warm, creamy cheese sauce, shredded cheddar, and crispy Applewood smoked bacon.
- Classic Sausage or Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwich: Freshly cracked egg, with your choice of a grilled square sausage patty or oven-baked Applewood smoked bacon, and melted cheese on a freshly toasted and buttered breakfast roll.
- Seasoned Potatoes: These half-moon seasoned potatoes feature a blend of spices, served crispy and piping hot every morning.
You’ll be able to find Wendy’s branches in the likes of Brighton, London, Leeds, Reading and Derby, and more.
