Hickory's Smokehouse in Poynton, near Greater Manchester, has reopened after a temporary closure for refurbishment, with changes designed to give guests "more comfortable places to eat, drink and watch live sport."
The restaurant, which first opened seven years ago, now features an even larger bar, more sports screens, extra booths, and more tables for two.
Seven Years of Southern BBQ in Poynton
When Hickory's Smokehouse first arrived near Greater Manchester seven years ago, the opening was fraught with difficulty. Following a transformation of the old Vernon Arms, the family-friendly restaurant, complete with its own cinema, was forced to close its doors just days after opening when flooding left the cellar under four feet of water.
Thankfully, the Poynton business, which reopened as a community base to help locals shelter from the worst of the weather, was soon back up and running. In no time at all, the place became a firm favourite with locals keen to try out the 'low and slow' cooked meats and Fro-Co (frozen custard) the place is famous for, not to mention its very own kids cinema showing family favourites.
Refurbishment and New Autumn Menu
The reopening on Wednesday, October 21, landed just as Hickory's fires up its new autumn menu, with new dishes including a Smoked Tennessee Brisket Sub, a hickory-smoked pork, jalapeño and cheese sausage main, and the returning favourite Louisiana gumbo. The Tennessee-built smokers remain at the heart of the kitchen.
The popular Chef's Bar remains, giving guests counter seating with a direct view of the team preparing slow-smoked, Texas-style brisket. The bar has seen the most significant changes, now offering more seating, additional screens for live sport, and a more private, comfortable layout.
In response to customer feedback, Hickory's also added more booths - aimed at family gatherings, celebrations, and evenings with friends - as well as more tables for two for couples.
Community Partnerships and Expansion
Since opening, Hickory's Poynton has built partnerships with local schools, sports clubs and organisations, including NECCC, Poynton Lacrosse, Crimson Heat, Hazel Grove FC and Stockport Sentinel.
General manager Jake Howard said: "Poynton has been our home for seven years, and the support we've had from local families, schools and sports clubs has meant the world to the whole team."
"We've listened to what our guests asked for, more booths, a better, bigger bar area and more space to watch the sport, but the dishes coming out of our smokers haven't changed. It's still the same authentic, Southern style BBQ our guests know and love. We can't wait to welcome everyone back."
The Chester-based company opened its first Hickory's in Chester over 15 years ago. As well as the Poynton site, it also has a restaurant in Wilmslow, Cheshire; one in Standish, Wigan, which opened last year at the former Charnley Arms; and one in Bold Heath, Widnes, which opened just last month. It has other restaurants across the Midlands, Yorkshire and North Wales.
