News Beat
Hickory’s opens new Texas-style smokehouse in Thornaby
Hickory’s finally opened the doors to its new restaurant in the former Anson Farm pub, on Teesside Industrial Estate, on Friday (December 5).
The new venue was originally due to open on Monday following a major refurb but guests can now get their BBQ fix early this weekend.
The former Anson Farm, which opened in 2015, has been transformed following its closure in August and now transports customers to the southern states of America.
The team has fitted out the venue with Southern touches, including quirky bric-a-brac they have brought back from their travels and photos of the team.
Punters will be able to enjoy a neighbourhood sports bar, with multiple screens showing all the latest US and UK sports, as well as large booths and cosy corners.
There is also a chef’s bar, where diners can take in the kitchen action from their seat, and dedicated spaces for younger guests including a movie room and outdoor play area.
No Southern home would be complete without some relaxing outside space so Hickory’s has created a year-round outdoor set up, decked out with blankets and hot water bottles.
Every restaurant centres around custom-built Southern Pride smokers imported from Texas, with pitmasters trained to master traditional slow-smoking techniques to lock in flavour.
The menu is stacked with smokehouse favourites, including Texas-style brisket, Memphis ribs, smoked wings and burgers, and a range of desserts and milkshakes.
Behind the bar, guests will find craft beers, bold Southern-inspired cocktails and a collection of more than 25 bourbons, hand-picked during Hickory’s road trips across the US.
General manager Peter said: “It’s an absolute dream come true for me to be part of the first opening here in the North East.
“The support we have had from local neighbours, businesses, schools and friends has been overwhelming.
“The journey so far has been incredible, but I know the whole team cannot wait to throw open the doors officially, welcome everybody to our new home, and show them what we have done with the place.”
Born from a road trip across the Southern States more than 15 years ago, the chain first launched in Chester in 2010 and has since expanded across the country.
With sites in Yorkshire, the Midlands, and the North West, Hickory’s says it has long had the North East on its radar for a new restaurant.
To book a table, head to Hickory’s website.
