Wimpy has opened a new store on the High Street after more than 40 years away.

The new 60-seater restaurant opened its doors in Tonbridge yesterday and becomes the 10th in the county.

Opening just a few doors away from where the town's original two stores opened in 1965, it's the first time the chain has returned since closing in the early 1980s.

It is the third Wimpy franchisee owner Bhopinder Gill has opened, after working at his dad's Wimpy as a youngster, and will create 15 news jobs.

The new-look restaurant, which replaces an old shoe store, will be open six days a week from 9am to 7pm and from 10am to 5pm on Sundays.

Mr Gill, who has invested alongside partner Kulwant Hara, said: “The opportunity to bring Wimpy back to Tonbridge was too good to miss and I have been very excited about it.

“We started offering home delivery and takeaway services just before we opened for in-house dining and the response from the town has been brilliant.

'The opportunity to bring Wimpy back to Tonbridge was too good to miss...'

"We’re already hearing stories from people whose parents brought them to Wimpy when they were children and are now bringing their own families through the doors to enjoy our great value food and soak up the Wimpy atmosphere once again.”

The new opening makes Kent the second highest place in the country for Wimpy restaurants, just behind Essex.

The restaurant's UK operations manager Simon Noble said: “We are delighted to see the Wimpy name return to Tonbridge and wish every success to Bhopinder and his team.

"There has already been a wonderfully warm welcome and it really feels as if Wimpy has come home.”

For those who don't want to make the trip into town, it is available on Deliveroo, JustEat and Uber Eats and offers burgers, both vegan and meat, wraps, desserts and milkshakes.