Hickory’s Smokehouse Menu Dishes, Reviews & Locations
Welcome, BBQ lovers, to your detailed guide to the hickory’s smokehouse menu. If you have enjoyed reading an Amazonico London Menu Guide to Dishes, Reviews, and Hours, then you will find the story behind Hickory’s deeply satisfying too. This article shares everything, from founders to food, locations to reviews, times to tasty plates.
Introduction & Restaurant Background
Hickory’s Smokehouse began in Chester in 2010, born from the vision of Neil McDonnell and Neil Gatt. The pair took a road trip through America’s Deep South, learning authentic smoking techniques from pitmasters. They brought this knowledge back to the UK, determined to serve true Southern-style BBQ with the same slow cooking and smoky flavors.
The restaurant quickly earned a reputation for hearty dishes, generous portions, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Over time, it grew from a single site into one of the UK’s most beloved BBQ chains.
Ownership & Growth
In 2022, Greene King, one of the UK’s largest pub companies, acquired Hickory’s Smokehouse menu. This move brought new investment but kept the original leadership team in place. Neil McDonnell and managing director John Welsh continue to guide the brand, ensuring it retains its Southern charm while expanding to more locations.
Greene King’s backing has allowed Hickory’s to scale rapidly, opening new branches each year while maintaining quality. Their goal is to triple the number of restaurants by 2030, making the hickory’s smokehouse menu accessible to more people across the UK.
Locations Across the UK
Hickory’s Smokehouse has spread its smoky magic across the country. You can now find branches in the North West, Midlands, Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and North Wales.
Notable locations include:
- Chester (the original)
- Milton Keynes
- York
- Sheffield
- Lincoln
- Leicester
- Gamston in Nottingham
- Horbury near Wakefield
- Wilmslow in Cheshire
Each branch offers the same warm welcome and Southern-inspired décor, often including outdoor seating, private dining areas, and children’s play zones.
Customer Reviews
Hickory’s enjoys high ratings from customers who praise both the food and the atmosphere.
One York diner said, “The food was great, and the staff were very pleasant too.”
A Milton Keynes guest commented on the little touches, saying, “We loved the free popcorn while we waited and the brisket was amazing.”
In Nottingham, a customer described the “Smokehouse Platter” as “a feast for the eyes and the stomach, perfect for sharing.”
These reviews reflect a consistent experience: generous portions, attentive staff, and a menu full of crowd-pleasers.
The Hickory’s Smokehouse Menu
The hickory’s smokehouse menu is designed to give you a full taste of Southern BBQ. Dishes are slow-smoked in imported smokers, seasoned with house rubs, and served with classic sides.
Starters & Small Plates
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Smoked Brisket Bourbon Tacos | Tender brisket in sweet bourbon |
| Southern Fried Chicken Basket | Crispy chicken served with sides |
| Cauliflower Burnt Ends | Spiced cauliflower with dip |
| Bourbon Bacon Bites | Smoky bacon glazed in bourbon |
| Pretzel Bites | Soft pretzel pieces with dip |
Smokehouse Classics
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Memphis Style Baby Back Ribs (Half / Full Rack) | Sweet, glazed ribs with Memphis flavor |
| Smoked Kansas Style Pork Ribs Half Slab | Ribs smoked with Kansas spice mix |
| Eight-Hour Smoked Beef Rib | Rich, tender beef rib |
| Texas-Style Brisket | Classic slow-smoked brisket |
| Barbecue Hand-Pulled Pork | Shredded pork with BBQ sauce |
| Smoked Chicken (Half) | Juicy chicken with house spices |
| Jalapeño & Cheese Sausage | Spicy sausage with melted cheese |
Burgers, Subs & Hearty Mains
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Go Big Or Go Home Burger | Beef, chicken, bacon, cheese, and hash brown stacked high |
| The Bird & The Beast | Chicken and beef burger with Creole mayo |
| Northern Cobb Salad | Fresh greens with beans, egg, avocado, cheese, optional chicken |
| Mac ’n’ Cheese | Creamy pasta; brisket topping optional |
| Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon | Salmon with rice, corn, spicy salsa |
| Roast Sea Bass Fillets | Sea bass with butter sauce and shrimp jambalaya |
Sides & Saucy Fixings
| Side | Description |
|---|---|
| Cornbread & Maple Butter | Sweet cornbread with maple butter |
| Pit Beans with Pulled Pork | Beans with smoky pulled pork topping |
| Magic-Dusted or Cheesy Fries | Fries with seasoning or melted cheese |
| Dirty Corn Ribs | Corn with hot honey and cheese |
| Brisket Mac ’n’ Cheese | Mac with added brisket |
Desserts & Drinks
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Fro-Co Creation (Frozen Custard) | Creamy frozen custard with toppings |
| Vegan Ice Cream | Dairy-free frozen treat |
| Churros with Chocolate Dip | Fried dough sticks with chocolate sauce |
Drinks include hand-shaken milkshakes, slushies, lemonades, cocktails, and iced teas.
Operating Hours & Delivery Information
Opening hours vary slightly by location but generally follow this pattern:
- Weekdays: 11:00 AM – 10:00 or 11:00 PM
- Weekends: 10:00 AM – 10:00 or 11:00 PM
Some locations, like Milton Keynes, open daily at 10:00 AM and close at 11:00 PM. York opens at 11:00 AM on weekdays and 10:00 AM on weekends.
Delivery and click-and-collect services are available through the Hickory’s website and delivery platforms, so customers can enjoy the hickory’s smokehouse menu at home.
Hickory’s presents its offerings in easy-to-browse sections, making it simple for guests to choose their perfect BBQ meal.
Why People Love Hickory’s
The success of Hickory’s isn’t just about the food—it’s about how they make people feel. Diners appreciate:
- Authentic BBQ cooking learned directly from American pitmasters
- Generous portions for the price
- Friendly staff who make each visit special
- Unique decor that blends comfort with a sense of adventure
It’s the kind of place where you can go for a casual lunch, a birthday celebration, or a fun weekend dinner.
Why Hickory’s Works: Hospitality & Design
The secret to Hickory’s smokehouse menu success is more than just great food. The décor blends rustic wood with warm lighting, creating a relaxed, welcoming space. Smokers are imported from Missouri and Tennessee to guarantee authentic results.
Many sites feature extras like cinema rooms for kids, play areas, and outdoor terraces. These touches encourage families to stay longer and return often.
The Dining Experience
When you step into a Hickory’s Smokehouse, you’ll notice the warm wooden interiors, open kitchens, and the smell of smoked meats in the air. Tables are set for sharing, making it a perfect spot for families or groups of friends.
Music adds to the Southern vibe, and there’s often a kid-friendly menu and even small cinema rooms at some locations.
As you work your way through the hickory’s smokehouse menu, you might find yourself comparing it to a Domino’s Menu UK Guide to Pizzas, Sides, and Locations—but here, instead of pepperoni, you’re getting pulled pork, slow-smoked ribs, and chicken fried in seasoned batter.
Expansion Plans Ahead
Backed by Greene King’s investment, Hickory’s plans to open around ten new sites each year until at least 2027. By 2030, the chain aims to have tripled in size. The original Chester restaurant is also undergoing a major refurbishment to enhance its charm while keeping the familiar Southern feel.
Final Thoughts
Hickory’s Smokehouse has built its reputation on quality BBQ, a welcoming atmosphere, and a wide-ranging menu. With locations spread across the UK, it’s easy to find one nearby.
Whether you’re tempted by the brisket, a burger, or a stack of chicken and waffles, the hickory’s smokehouse menu will have something that makes you want to come back.
So, next time the craving for slow-smoked, flavor-packed BBQ hits, you know exactly where to go—Hickory’s is ready to serve you a little taste of the American South right here in the UK.
