Hickory’s Smokehouse opening three days ahead of schedule
Saddle up BBQ fans, there’s a new restaurant in town and guests are already going wild for the food, drinks, décor and unbridled Southern style hospitality.
Hot on the heels of their practice nights earlier this week, the team have announced that they will be swinging open the doors, 3 days earlier than planned at 4pm today Friday 12th September.
The new restaurant and bar, which is situated in Priorslee, was originally due to open next Monday, but guests can now get their BBQ fix a few days early as the team open their second smokehouse in the county later today.
Founded with a passion for bringing authentic Southern BBQ to the UK and inspired by the smokehouses of the American South, the team have spent years perfecting their recipes and exploring the backwaters of the Southern States on their yearly road trip, to track down the Holy Grail of BBQ.
Already a huge hit in the county (their Shrewsbury restaurant is super-popular), the team said they have had Telford on their radar since they first identified the Midlands as a possible next step, following their first three restaurant openings, close to their Chester head office, in the northwest.
General Manager and proud local Jim Hadley, said that for him, it really is like ‘coming home and an absolute dream come true…
‘I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know the people of Telford over many years, and so opening a Hickory’s here is an absolute dream. I had such an amazing time as General Manager in Shrewsbury, so I know first-hand just how welcoming the local community can be and the support we have had here in Telford so far has been truly overwhelming. We can’t wait to see some old and new faces over the coming weeks and show you what we have done with the place.’
So, what can guests expect…?
Practice night guest and the driving force behind Shropshire’s festival scene Beth Heath said ‘I’m delighted that we now have a second smokehouse in the county. I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Shrewsbury team on a number of events and their genuine hospitality and passion really shines through. The transformation here in Priorslee is incredible and the food just seems to get better and better – they even managed to fill my teenagers!’
Taking on the big portions was no problem for Nathan Parker, Head Coach at Telford Raiders Rugby Club: ‘What can we say,’ commented Nathan, ‘The whole night was epic from start to finish. I can certainly eat, but the portions are so generous, I didn’t quite manage dessert! The team are all going to love it and I think we have absolutely found our new home, the big screens in the bar, the BBQ and the beers, what’s not to love!’
In terms of design, the place has been totally transformed. Staying strong to their Southern roots, the team have carefully curated every area of the new restaurant and bar, filling it with Southern touches including quirky bric-a-brac they have brought back from their travels and photos of their team discovering the joys of the Southern States for themselves.
The bar has its own identity too – think cool sports bar, with multiple big screens showing all the latest US and UK sports, whilst the restaurant has been designed with get-togethers and family time in mind, with large booths, cosy corners and dedicated spaces for younger guests.
Finally, no Southern home would be complete without some relaxing outside space, so expect a cosy, year-round set up outdoors, with plenty of seating options (+ blankets & hot water bottles for when the temperatures are more Telford than Tennessee!) – there are even a couple of heated, private dining huts – perfect for supping, mopping & meeting!
What’s On the Menu?
If you love your BBQ, and big-flavours are your thing, you are in for a treat. The menu is packed full of the flavours of the deep South, with classic smokehouse dishes such as Memphis ribs, Texas-style brisket and BBQ pulled pork, all smoked low ‘n’ slow in “Ole Hickory” and “Southern Pride’ smokers using Hickory wood, all of which have made it over the Atlantic, taking pride of place in the restaurant.
And let’s not forget the burgers, subs, steaks and fajitas, alongside some incredible appetisers, sides and vegetarian options – the menu has something for everyone.
They’ve also got your sweet tooth covered with super-quirky desserts, the most ‘instagrammable’ milkshakes, freak shakes, sodas and cocktails, alongside a collection of over 25 top class bourbons to try. Easy drinking session ales and a wide range of bottled & craft beers, meaning guests are equally welcome for drinks in the bar as they are for dining.
With something for the whole family, we think Hickory’s are 100% sticking to their ethos of ‘no teeth to false teeth’! Our advice would be book early and arrive hungry. Whether you are joining them for a family brunch, quick lunch, evening get-together or a relaxing drink in the bar watching live sport, expect the full Hickory’s experience from the first ‘hello’.
To book a table or check out the menu, click here HICKORYS TELFORD
