The very first, original Hickory’s, re-opens following major refurbishment
Since they first opened their doors back in 2010, Hickory’s Smokehouse has become one of Chester’s most beloved restaurants.
Situated in a prime spot, down by the banks of the River Dee, the authentic, Southern style smokehouse has undergone a major transformation over recent weeks, with re-imagined dining areas, a refreshed bar and stunning new River Room.
Founded by local hospitality entrepreneur, Neil McDonnell, following a now legendary road-trip across the Southern states of America, Hickory’s has grown to become one of the UK’s most celebrated and authentic BBQ restaurants. From humble beginnings (the original restaurant launched on the back of a whole load of passion and limited resources), the team have gone on to expand the offering firstly in West Kirby on Wirral, then into North Wales and beyond.
Neil started his love affair with Chester almost twenty-five years ago when he launched his ground-breaking cocktail bar and restaurant, Barlounge, followed by the now iconic Manhattan style steakhouse, Upstairs at The Grill a couple of years later.
With the same team still at the helm, Neil and his fellow partners Jason Bligh, John Welsh and Rob Bacon have been relentless in their pursuit of perfection, and they still oversee every aspect of the Hickory’s offering.
Fast forward to 2025, where, after 15 years, Hickory’s is ready to unveil its remarkable transformation….
So, what can you expect from the Hickory’s refurbishment?
Very much the same, authentic and welcoming feel, with some exciting new additions and quirky touches all-round! New seating in the main dining space includes cosy booths and areas suitable for larger groups & special celebrations. The bar area now boasts one of the most impressive collections of Bourbons this side of Kentucky, and guest favourites, such as the Sportsbook, Chef’s Bar and veranda have all had a refresh too.
Passionately family friendly from the get-go, younger guests have been carefully considered and can now look forward to enjoying the newly extended cinema room and Fro-co station along with family friendly seating options.
Outside, and still arguably the best spot in the city for alfresco dining and drinking, the team are making the most of the stunning location. We are talking about all-year round outdoor access here, with new seating, heaters and accessories to keep you cosy – whatever the weather.
And if all that wasn’t enough, get ready to welcome the all-new River Room!
Designed to maximise Hickory’s unrivalled location and offer 365 access to alfresco style dining, with fully retractable glass sides and roof, bright furnishings and quirky interior touches that really celebrate its riverside setting. The light-filled River Room promises to be the hottest spot on the river for dining, drinking, taking in the views and people watching!
And it’s not just the restaurant that’s had a make-over! After smokin’ hundreds of briskets, rubbing countless ribs and serving up so much BBQ, the kitchen has undergone a major overhaul too. The ‘Ole Hickory’ smokers that were imported from Missouri when Hickory’s first opened are ready to be fired up again, and the team have an all-new wood fired grill, which adds a little bit of extra theatre for those of you lucky enough to get a seat at the Chefs Bar.
Speaking about the impressive re-fresh, Hickory’s Managing Director John Welsh said: “It goes without saying that Hickory’s Chester has a very special place in all our hearts. When Neil first came up with the idea, we knew we were taking a risk. BBQ food was really just associated with a few overdone sausages cooked over gas on a wet Sunday, but we knew that real BBQ food was so much more than that.”
“Our very first Hickory’s down at the Groves has remained our favourite restaurant. It’s where our deep love and enthusiasm for smoked meat and slow cooking all started – experimenting with different flavours, rubs, types of wood and of course cuts of meat.
The social aspect of bringing people together and the simplicity of sharing BBQ, trying different Southern American dishes with your loved ones or family & friends has been a passionate pursuit for us all and thankfully our guests seem to agree.”
Over the past fifteen years of so, the team haven’t sat still, celebrating everything from the classic tastes, authentic drinks and even the national sports of the Southern states. They have evangelised about NFL and now boast one of the biggest Superbowl parties outside of London, converting hundreds of sport fans along the way.
“We are so aware that Hickory’s wouldn’t be anything like it is today without the unwavering support of the people of Chester, our guests and the passion of our team,” said John. This refurbishment is a big thank you to them as much as anything else and we can’t wait to show everyone what we have done with the place.”
And as for the founder behind it all, Neil said the refurbishment of the original Chester site was an absolute necessity ‘It is and always will be our flagship site. We’ve loved every second at our original home, the support we’ve had from other local businesses and of course our loyal guests. It was time to spruce up the place, add a sprinkling of magic, reinstate the wow factor and give something back to the city that has been behind us since day one.”
Long-term supporter and Hickory’s Chester’s landlord, Stuart Williams, has even committed generous support to the project; to help Neil and the team realise their ambitious plans.
“We are very grateful to Stuart for his support, not just with this major refurbishment but also for giving us the opportunity back in 2009/2010 to create something special down by the river on a very limited budget”
“He has been a very fair & supportive landlord over the years and that partnership and trust over 15 plus years has only gone from strength to strength”
You asked, they listened!
The new-look Hickory’s Smokehouse reopens on Wednesday 19th February, with new, extended opening hours. They’re opening at 10am every day serving brunch & their full smokehouse menu, 8 days a week as they say!
