The Wait Is Over – Hickory’s Unveils its Authentic Smokehouse in Swindon!

Restaurant opens today in Middleleaze, a few days ahead of schedule…

The team behind the hugely popular, Southern style restaurant group, Hickory’s Smokehouse are now ready to swing open the doors at their much-anticipated new smokehouse in Swindon. Excitement has been building this week as the team have welcomed guests to their community focused training & practice nights.

The team have announced that, now all the final snagging is complete, they will be opening the doors today, Friday 23rd May from 4pm, a few days ahead of schedule!

The Chester based company opened their first Hickory’s in the city over 15 years ago and now have restaurants across the Midlands, Yorkshire, North Wales, and closer to home here in the West Country in nearby Gloucester. Hickory’s say they are 'thrilled to be opening in Swindon', it’s their first restaurant in Wiltshire, and the team said that they have had an unbelievable warm welcome from the local community.

Hickory’s General Manager Ajay Palmer said: ‘We are beyond happy to be opening in Swindon. I have been part of the Hickory’s family for over seven years now, and to be finally opening here in my hometown is an absolute privilege. We have all been overwhelmed by the welcome we have had, and we cannot wait to introduce them to our new home and hopefully convert a whole host of new fans to all things BBQ!’ 

So, what can you expect? 

Authenticity is key, the team visit the Southern States every year for new ideas and inspiration – they’ve completed 25 road trips, all around the highways and byways of Texas, Louisiana and the BBQ belt, and are already busy planning their next trip later this year. So, with 15 years of smokin’ BBQ under their belt, and fuelled by a passion to bring a true slice of the Deep South to guests here on home turf,  it’s an exciting time for Swindon!

The team have created a welcoming space for the whole community. From the relaxed, neighbourhood bar area, where guests are welcome to pop in for drinks, or catch up on the latest sporting action which will be shown on multiple screens, to the spacious dining areas which includes cosy booths and larger tables for get-togethers; there are lots of Southern touches that they’ve picked up from their road trips and the whole place is like stepping into an authentic Texan restaurant from the first ‘hello’.

But the inclusive vibe here goes way beyond the design of the building, with younger guests being equally well catered for with their signature movie room, specially designed menus, interactive ‘Fro-Co’ (frozen custard) Creation Station and outdoor play area.

Alongside the new restaurant space, the whole outside area has also undergone a major transformation & is unrecognisable. Designed for year-round dining and drinking, there is plenty of seating, a covered drinking and dining terrace complete with cosy booths and even a specially created outdoor play area to keep little ones entertained.

If you love your BBQ, you’re not going to be disappointed. 

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 - which have made it across the Atlantic taking pride of place in the restaurant. And let’s not forget burgers, steaks and fajitas, alongside a selection of vegetarian options – the menu has something for everyone.

They’ve got guests covered with quirky desserts, freakshakes & milkshakes, sodas, cocktails & a collection of over 25 bourbons to try, easy-drinking session ales and a selection of bottles & craft beers. 

Over 300 personally invited guests, representing a cross section of local residents, including representatives from Swindon Town FC, locally based charities, schools and business contacts, were all treated to a full, Southern experience. From authentic BBQ, smoker tours, margaritas and milkshakes and heaps of good old-fashioned hospitality, guests got the full Hickory’s welcome.

And the whole Hickory’s experience seems to have been a big hit so far.

Speaking about their visits, local butcher and BBQ aficionado, Mark Everest said: ‘I recently returned from a BBQ pilgrimage to Austin, Texas where I managed dine at several of the most authentic smokehouses on the planet. I have to say Hickory’s is right up there and easily some of the best UK BBQ available! It’s a fantastic addition to the local dining scene which is much needed. We sat at the chef’s bar so we could watch all the action - needless to say, I think we’re going to regular visitors now Hickory’s is on our doorstep!’

Ellie Lawrence, STEAM’s Marketing & Events Manager was blown away with the portion sizes and the facilities on offer: ‘We had such an amazing night, my husband is a huge BBQ fan and my Dad is a big Spurs fan (sorry!) so the combination of live football in the bar and incredible food was a huge hit with all of us. We look forward to working with the team on some of our events over at Lydiard Park in the future.'

If you are planning on visiting the much talked about restaurant, our advice is - arrive hungry and get ready to fall in love with the authentic tastes of the Southern States. With generous portion sizes, smokehouse favourites and more BBQ classics than you can handle Middleleaze, Swindon & beyond you’re in for a treat!

For menu information or to book a table please visit: HICKORY’S SWINDON