Wendy's UK Menu Offers Surprising Twist with Jacket Potatoes
After a 20-year absence, Wendy's officially relaunched in the UK on June 2, 2021, marking a significant return for the American fast-food giant. Despite its presence in the country for nearly five years, journalist and editor Samantha Bartlett only recently experienced the UK version for the first time this week, uncovering a menu feature that left her astonished.
A Brief History of Wendy's in the UK
Wendy's is a household name in the United States, operating for 56 years with over 6,000 locations since its founding by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio, in 1969. However, its journey in the UK has been more tumultuous. The brand first entered the UK market in 1979/1980, opening a flagship store on Oxford Street, London, initially named "Wendy" due to trademark issues. This venture ended in 1986 when locations were sold to Whitbread.
A second attempt occurred between 1988 and 1992, with around 10 sites primarily in London and nearby areas like Uxbridge and Watford. However, high property costs and operational overheads led to another exit in 2001. The recent relaunch in 2021, starting with a restaurant in Reading, has seen aggressive expansion, with over 45 locations by early 2025, including major cities such as London, Leeds, and Derby, as well as drive-thru sites.
First-Hand Experience at a Portsmouth Branch
Samantha Bartlett visited her local Wendy's in Portsmouth, which opened on August 24, 2023. On a mid-week day off, she decided to try the chain for lunch, using self-service screens to place her order. Opting for chicken nuggets, she chose 10 pieces with normal seasoning and selected Buttermilk Ranch and Honey BBQ dips. The sides menu, however, presented a surprising array of options beyond the typical fries.
She was floored to discover jacket potatoes available as a side, with choices including bacon and cheese, beef chilli, cheese alone, sour cream and chives, or plain. Additionally, the menu featured loaded fries and beef chilli as sides, though apple bits were also listed. While intrigued, Bartlett stuck with fries for comparison purposes, noting that jacket potatoes and other premium sides cost an extra £1-2.
Her meal of 10 nuggets, chips, and a fountain drink totaled £8.69, which she found reasonable. Service was quick, and all items, including sauces, were correctly provided. The nuggets had a crispy chicken texture, and the skin-on fries were less greasy than competitors', though she added salt for extra flavour.
Expansion and Future Prospects
Wendy's UK continues to grow, with locations spread across various regions:
- London & Greater London: Sites in Camden, Stratford, Croydon, and more, with a new flagship planned near Piccadilly Circus.
- South & South East England: Including Brighton, Portsmouth, and Reading.
- East of England: Such as Cambridge and Chelmsford.
- Midlands: Covering Derby, Nottingham, and Leicester.
- North of England: Locations in Leeds, Sheffield, and Newcastle upon Tyne.
- Scotland: Recent openings in Glasgow, Dundee, and Paisley.
To find the nearest branch, customers are advised to use the official Wendy's UK Store Locator due to frequent new openings. Bartlett's positive experience, highlighted by the unique sides, suggests she will return to try the jacket potatoes, showcasing the chain's innovative approach in the competitive UK fast-food market.
