Offering an authentic American experience right here in Gloucestershire, Hickory's Smokehouse in Gloucester serves up low 'n' slow smoked meats inspired by the USA's proud barbecue tradition.
But it's not just the food that's authentic, with the venue being proud of its old-fashioned Southern hospitality and especially warm welcome for all, as well as its relaxed, sociable style of dining.
SoGlos uncovers the roots of the restaurant, and how a trip to Texas 17 years ago inspired an American food empire back here in the UK.
How did Hickory's Smokehouse start?
Hickory's Smokehouse was created after its founders took a road trip across the Southern USA back in 2009, sampling authentic American barbecue from Texas, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kansas.
Bringing the kind of old fashioned Southern hospitality they experienced back home with them, the first Hickory's Smokehouse opened in 2010, a year to the day after that first trip.
Fast forward to today and there are over 35 Hickory's Smokehouses across the UK, with the Gloucester venue having opened in 2024.
Since that first trip across the pond, Hickory's Smokehouse's founders, chefs, general managers and team members have been back to the US around 25 times, bringing back more inspiration and expert tips every time.
What makes Hickory's Smokehouse authentic?
Hickory's Smokehouse offers four styles of authentic American barbecue, each with their own distinct flavour profiles and ingredients.
Carolina-style barbecue usually involves pig pickins – a whole barbecued hog – and pulled pork, paired with vinegar-based sauces, making for flavourful and juicy meat.
Kansas City-style barbecue is characterised by liberally seasoned pork ribs or brisket smoked low and slow in a hickory pit for hours, then slathered with thick, sticky, sweet sauces.
Memphis-style barbecue favours pork ribs, shoulders and butts, dry rubbed with mild, sweet and spicy seasonings during or just after cooking, and basted with mopping sauces.
While Texans prefer their barbecue 'naked' – with no sauce – with beef brisket and smoke taking centre stage in its unique flavour profile.
The pitmasters at Hickory's Smokehouse embrace all of these styles using authentic, American smokers imported from Missouri and Tennessee, using secret-recipe rubs and sauces inspired by the team's travels across the Atlantic.
From traditional smokehouse barbecue, to Southern-style brunches and inventive flavour combinatons, there's a whole lot to choose from.
Its bourbon old fashioned and pitmaster margaritas are a must-try, too – as is its homemade grape soda, if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.
What to expect from a visit to Hickory's smokehouse?
Southern hospitality is the order of the day at Hickory's Smokehouse, with its aim to make everybody feel right at home.
Every diner is greeted like an old friend and absolutely everybody is welcome, including dogs.
The Gloucester venue also hosts a variety of events, including quizzes, family-friendly character brunches, NFL Sundays and Superbowl events – and observes all of the major American holidays, of course!
Hickory's Smokehouse strives to be a valued part of the local community, too, and places its relationship with its neighbours at the heart of everything it does – from sponsoring grassroots sports team the Quedgeley Wanderers, litter picking in the local area, to opening up early to offer relaxed dining sessions for children with SEND needs and their families.
Where is Hickory's Smokehouse in Gloucester?
Diners can find Hickory's Smokehouse on Hednesford Avenue in Quedgeley, on the outskirts of Gloucester.
The restaurant is open from 12pm to 10pm Monday to Thursday, 12pm to 11pm Friday, and 10am to 11pm Saturday and Sunday.
How to book a table at Hickory's Smokehouse?
To book at table at Hickory's Smokehouse, visit hickorys.co.uk.
