I tried Wendy's for the first time to see what all the fuss is about

A selection of food pictured at Wendy's in Tallys End, Barlborough.
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First look: A new Wendy's restaurant has opened in Barlborough, close to junction 30 of the M1 in Derbyshire.
Photo: Friday 13th September 2024.
(Copyright: Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC)
-Credit: (Image: Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC)


"It's one of the best burgers I've ever eaten" - I've heard the hype about Wendy's but I've never eaten one until this week. The US chain was founded more than 50 years ago in Ohio when I was at an age that the only Wendy in my life was a house.

Covering the opening of a new branch just off junction 30 of the M1 in Derbyshire was the perfect excuse to find out why everyone raves about Wendy's. During my visit I'm told that the franchise is planning to expand into Nottingham within the next 12 months, so it's another reason to check out what they have to offer.

The newest restaurant at Barlborough is located right next to McDonald's at Tallys End, which is likely to provoke some fierce competition between two of the world's biggest names in burgers - and that's never a bad thing for consumers.

Fresh, not frozen burgers is one of Wendy's main attractions. If you're not already aware of this, you soon will be thanks to a sign in the fast food joint's car park. "Ouch" I thought at Wendy's dig at the Golden Arches. The sign points to fresh beef in Wendy's direction, while an arrow for frozen beef points to Maccy D. I make that 1-0 to Wendy's.

Like every fast food outlet you can order at digital screens. Too late for breakfast, which ends at 10.30am, the main menu is in full swing with burgers such as Dave's Single, Double and Triple. Who is Dave? He's the founder, Dave Thomas, who launched Wendy's in the USA in 1969, calling it after his daughter.

I get stuck into Dave's Double (£8.79) served in a foil wrapper which will no doubt keep it warm for longer if you're taking it away. I'm eating inside in the all-American red, white and blue surroundings with the mascot of a freckled, pig-tailed Wendy on the wall.

The obvious comparisons are McDonald's, Burger King and Five Guys. You can't compare a fast food joint with the likes of award-winning supremos like Bohns Burgers in Nottingham city centre.

Jacket potato with sour cream and chives at Wendy's
Jacket potato with sour cream and chives at Wendy's -Credit:Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC

The obvious stand-out is the square burger. Why? I ask the staff. "We don't cut corners," is the reply. Each burger is cooked to order rather than sitting under heat lamps - and you can tell. From the first bite, it's obvious this is a good quality burger. That just cooked freshness is obvious. It's juicy and has everything you desire from a fast food burger.

A round swishy brioche bun, rich and slightly sweet, is the perfect host for the burger, which is served with slices of American cheese, lettuce, a beef tomato slice, onion and pickles with a burst of tomato ketchup and mayo.

The fries have a good consistency but they're too salty for me. I prefer the loaded fries smothered with chilli con carne and cheese - now you're talking. The chilli won't blow your head off so it's likely to have mass appeal.

My veggie pal Joe samples the curry bean burger, a black bean patty mixed with chickpeas and vegetables and topped with Monterrey Jack cheese and curry mayo. It gets the tick of approval. Serving baked potatoes is great idea for a healthy fast food option, especially with winter approaching. The one with sour cream and chives is another alternative on a menu that's fairly limited for vegetarians.

Our smorgasbord of Wendy's staples includes chicken nuggets. They have a crispier coating than McNuggets and the chunks of chicken breast are delicious enough to eat without a dip.

Last but not least - the Frosty which is billed as a cross between ice cream and a milkshake. Similar to a slightly frozen Mr Whippy, the pot of vanilla creaminess would have been better with some kind of sauce or chocolate toppings.

Prices are more expensive than McDonald's but cheaper than Five Guys, which is fair enough as Wendy's sits between the two.