Hickory’s Smokehouse, Horbury
Hickorys as a brand have always been committed to Building a family-friendly BBQ smokehouse restaurant brand that that brings the flavours and hospitality of the Deep South to local communities in the North-West of England and Midlands. With Authenticity heralded as the key piece of the jigsaw.
Founder Neil McDonnell, who has an established background in hospitality, knew there was only one way to capture the true spirit of the American south and bring it to north-west England: travel across the US and immerse himself in the cuisine until he and his team truly understood their ribs from their briskets. This extensive research took him across a number of US states, from one smokehouse joint to another, to investigate not only the food but also the famous ‘southern hospitality’.
Hickory’s in Hutton was designed with as an evolution of this journey. Offering guests a unique dining experience – delicious BBQ food served in vibrant surroundings with chef’s tables, milkshake bars, a cinema and fire pit table. Meats is slow cooked for up to 12 hours on smokers specially imported from Memphis, Tennessee and served in four authentic US barbecue styles, whilst walls were decked with genuine US signs, photos and memorabilia. The final key ingredient was exceptional customer service.
The Beauty of the site is that, like many Hickory’s Smokehouses, it was a former ‘local’ Preston pub that had fallen into disrepair, leaving a noticeable hole in community life. The Hickory’s team has taken it over, refurbished and transformed it, and then returned it to the heart of its community. Not only does the restaurant bring enjoyment and employment to the local area, but it also supports them with other initiatives – a tradition that’s important to Hickory’s ethos. It’s all part of the Southern Hospitality Hickory’s strive to deliver.