A Wimpy restaurant which closed two years ago when it was flooded will not re-open, according to the former manager.

A sign on the front window of the branch in High Road, Epping, announced the store would be refurbished following the closure in February 2012.

But the company has refused to reveal its future plans for the site and the former manager, who refused to give his name, said the restaurant would not be re-opening.

The restaurant also no longer appears on Wimpy’s website.

There are rumours that a Starbucks franchise will open at the address.

A spokewoman for Starbucks refused to comment.

Landlord London Cambridge Properties said there are plans for the premises to be reoccupied, but did not comment further.

Epping Forest District Council said it has not received any planning applications for the site, but planning permission would not be needed if a similar business takes over the premises.

Wimpy, which first opened in London in 1954, had 1,000 restaurants in 23 countries by 1970.

There is still a branch in High Street, Loughton.