The Griffin Inn, a historic pub dating back to the 17th century on Warrington Road in Bold Heath, Widnes, has permanently closed to make way for a new Hickory's Smokehouse restaurant. The site is being redeveloped into the area's first location for the popular smokehouse chain, with the opening scheduled for autumn 2026.
Four Centuries of History
Originally established as a coaching house named 'The Magpie' in the 1600s, the Griffin Inn has served as a warm and welcoming place for travellers and locals for over 400 years. The pub's closure marks the end of an era, but the building will be transformed into a modern smokehouse while retaining its historic character.
Hickory's Expansion
Hickory's Smokehouse was founded in Cheshire in 2010 and has since expanded to more than 20 sites across the Northwest, including two in Merseyside. The company seeks suburban locations with a strong sense of community, such as Village Road in West Kirby and Folkestone Road in Southport. The Griffin Inn site fits this criteria perfectly.
Planned renovations include a rear infill extension, a new entrance, and a veranda, along with adjustments to parts of the building's exterior. The rear extension will cover 47 square metres, measuring 9.65 metres long and 5.6 metres wide, with a ridge height of 3.2 metres.
Excitement from the Team
Rob Bacon, director and original chef at Hickory's Smokehouse, expressed his enthusiasm: "I'm genuinely excited to be opening our first Hickory's in Bold Heath. It's going to be a very special opening for me and the whole team. I know first-hand just how welcoming the local community can be, and I can't wait to welcome friends, family, and guests to our latest smokehouse in the north west."
Managing director John Welsh previously told the ECHO not to "write Liverpool off" regarding potential future openings, hinting at further expansion in the region.
Community Focus and Job Creation
Hickory's Smokehouse confirmed it acquired the Bear & Staff pub in Gateacre to make its long-term plans a reality. An emphasis on delivering a warm and welcoming bar area is central to the development, ensuring locals still have a place to socialise and drink during this new chapter. A "significant investment" has been made to bring the concept to fruition, and the project is expected to create 100 jobs for the area.
The opening is scheduled for Friday, July 17, 2026, though the autumn timeline suggests a possible later date. The new Hickory's Smokehouse in Bold Heath promises to blend historic charm with modern dining, offering a unique experience for the community.
