Hickory's Smokehouse is set to open its third venue in the Liverpool City Region next month, taking over the former Bear & Staff pub in Gateacre. The move has sparked concerns among local residents, but the restaurant chain has moved to address these issues.
Addressing Resident Concerns
Officials from Hickory's appeared before a Liverpool Council licensing and gambling sub-committee to discuss fears over changes to opening hours. The restaurant applied for a premises licence allowing alcohol sales from 9am, which worried some villagers. However, Piers Warne, agent for Hickory's, clarified that the earlier start time is intended for breakfast or brunch services, not to turn the venue into a 'town centre booze establishment.'
Investment and Security Measures
Warne emphasized that Hickory's is investing over £2 million into the site, focusing on a 'food and family led' experience. To address concerns about trespassing, new fencing will be installed around the rear of the property. Regarding potential noise, Warne stated that any staff causing disturbance after closing would face severe reprimands or be moved on.
Licensing Details
The licence also includes permission for streaming films, which Warne described as an important part of Hickory's offer, providing 'TV levels of cinema' to entertain families. There are no plans to extend closing hours, and the restaurant will open from midday on weekdays and 10am on weekends.
Community Response
A Hickory's spokesperson expressed pride in joining the Gateacre community: 'We're looking forward to opening our doors in Gateacre next month and would like to thank the local community for such a warm welcome. This will be our third restaurant in the Liverpool city region, joining our West Kirby and Southport smokehouses, both of which are situated in residential communities. We have a proud history of becoming part of the neighbourhoods we serve and look forward to welcoming familiar and new faces from Gateacre, Woolton and beyond, when we open our latest restaurant in mid-July.'
