Hickory's Smokehouse has officially confirmed the location of its first Newcastle restaurant, taking over The Newton Pub in Benton after the pub's closure in July. The Texan BBQ chain, which opened its Gateshead branch at the start of June, announced the move in a post on its website, teasing a winter 2026 opening.
Expansion from Gateshead to Newcastle
The chain already operates a branch in Thornaby, and its Gateshead restaurant, located in the former Gold Medal pub on Chowdene Bank near Team Valley, has drawn significant attention since launching this summer. The menu includes barbecue trays, smash burgers, baby back ribs and large smokehouse platters, alongside a Frozen Custard machine and a range of sodas.
Official confirmation and opening timeline
ChronicleLive reported earlier this year that The Newton was set to become a Hickory's Smokehouse. The confirmation came in a website post that read: "We are so excited to be heading even further and up to Newcastle and we can’t wait to welcome you for smokin’ BBQ, shakin’ drinks & some good old-fashioned Southern Hospitality! After opening in Gateshead earlier this year, we knew we had to bring the people of Newcastle a Smokehouse too."
The post added: "We’re busy getting to know the area & our new neighbours and we’ve already started bringing your brand-new smokehouse to life." A teaser on the Hickory's Gateshead Facebook page indicated a winter 2026 opening for Newcastle.
