The reopening of a Wimpy restaurant that has sat empty for more than a year has been delayed.

Ashford’s diner was set to open by the end of the year, but bosses say this has now been pushed back due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

The restaurant shut in late 2023 when the previous franchisee stepped down after 30 years in charge.

But the burger chain has said it will be back in Ashford in 2025, although an exact date is yet to be confirmed.

A spokesman said: “While we had very much hoped that Wimpy Ashford would be able to reopen by the end of 2024, we are disappointed to tell our loyal fans that, due to unforeseen circumstances, there has been a further delay.

“We are continuing to work with our franchisee to try and resolve the issues and hope to have better news in the new year.”

Ashford residents previously told of their excitement to have the burger chain back.

The anticipation of the opening has continued as a sticker has been placed on the store’s window saying “We want our wimpy back… this is an emergency”.

The chain, the first to serve hamburgers in the UK, was once the fast-food restaurant of choice among many in the country.

But with newer fast-food chains arriving on the scene, its diner numbers dwindled – though it has maintained some dedicated fans over the years.

Currently, there are only six branches left in Kent.

A recent £300,000 investment into Wimpy’s Maidstone branch in Gabriel’s Hill has seen it take on a fresh new look.

It was closed for almost six months while a major refurbishment was completed and opened its doors last week.

The changes, which have come under a new franchisee, have seen the site stripped out and fitted with new floor and wall coverings, ceilings and electric plumbing.

In 2022, Wimpy opened a new 60-seater restaurant in Tonbridge.

It returned to the high street after more than 40 years away.