Hickory's Smokehouse brings taste of Southern USA to city

If you think you have tasted barbecue before, think again. Hickory's Smokehouse, which is about to open its doors this Friday in Hampton Vale, will show you how it's really done.

This newspaper was invited for a sneak peek at the restaurant in Kepley Close, located in the newly renovated former Mulberry Tree pub, on Tuesday evening and wow, what a treat!

The smell of delicious smoky meat greets you as you walk into the wooden-clad building, reminiscent of an old American barn in some Southern state, and it's enough to get those taste buds going.

Hickory's Smokehouse is set to open in Peterborough on Friday bringing a taste of Southern American. (Image: Sarah Cliss)

The venue has been completely stripped and refitted, with impressive results. Booths with upholstered seating and well-spaced wooden tables give diners a sense of comfort and privacy. The interior is rich in detail, with wood cladding throughout helping create an authentic stateside feel.

Families are well catered for, with a cinema room showing children’s films and offering free popcorn—ideal for keeping younger diners entertained. Outside, there is a covered seating area alongside a large children’s play space.

At the entrance, a bar area has the feel of a traditional saloon, although with a modern twist, as there are booths fitted with individual televisions for sports fans, and perfect for a 'pub' evening. There is also a separate sports bar available for private hire, accommodating up to 30 people.

An open kitchen allows diners to watch as food is prepared, adding to the experience.

Oklahoma smash burger was as tasty a burger as I have ever had. (Image: Sarah Cliss)

When it comes to the menu, it is hard to know where to begin - it is stuffed full of choice, including a few vegetarian and vegan options, but really, Hickory's is all about the meat.

And wow, what meat.

There were five of us, and having seen the portions coming out of the kitchen, we thought it best to play it safe with only a small starter, so we went for the Southern Sharer between us.

Loaded with bourbon-glazed chopped smoked sausage, cowboy buttered corn, dusted smoked wings, garlic buttered bread, and beer fondue, all served with a variety of dips, it was a feast for the senses.

The restaurant area has a real sense of Stateside. (Image: Hickory's Smokehouse)

Also on the platter were frickles, and if you have never tasted a frickle, then you have missed a treat. They are battered, deep-fried gherkins, and they are delicious.

On to the mains, and we went for a variety.

Two of our group opted to share the Smokehouse Platter, and to be honest, I don't think I have ever seen such a pile of meat.

The £74 platter was laden with thick slices of Texas-style beef brisket Memphis style - smoked for 16 hours and as succulent as anything I have ever tasted - barbecue glazed pork baby back ribs, cowboy buttered smoked chicken legs, dressed 14-hour cooked hand pulled pork, Tennessee bourbon-glazed beef baby back ribs, bourbon-glazed smoked chicken wings, smoked pork, jalapeño and cheese sausage, a port of pit beans, house slaw, pickles and bourbon gravy, and of course a side of fries (why not?).

The 3am mac n cheese was full of cheesy goodness and topped with southern fried chicken. (Image: Sarah Cliss)

A challenge that my friends took on with gusto, almost demolishing the mountain of meat, but not quite managing to empty the platter.

Verdict: "What a gut buster, absolutely delicious."

I went for the Oklahoma smash burger - two beef patties topped with cheese, served with fries and slaw, it was as tasty a burger as I've ever had, but the challenge of finishing it proved too much.

Another member of the group chose the 3am mac n cheese, topped with southern-fried chicken and served with maple syrup.

Verdict on this was delicious, totally cheesy, but again, the portion proved too much.

Even the salads are gut busters at Hickory's Smokehouse. (Image: Sarah Cliss)

Finally, the last member of our group opted for a house salad with spicy Cajun chicken, but like every other meal, it is a whole new take on the word salad. The portion was again enormous.

With the top buttons on our trousers already undone, it was time to move on to desserts, but we were so full there was only one option for all of us, the Fro Co - frozen custard - which is basically like a creamy ice cream that tastes exactly like custard.

You could choose your topping or have it straight.

Hickory's ethos is one of Southern hospitality, and the staff certainly delivered that on Tuesday evening; they were welcoming, chatty, and willing to please.

The food was delicious and the evening a treat. (Image: Sarah Cliss)

A quick tot-up of our bill saw a total of around £200 without drinks, but for three courses, for five of us, and for the quality of the food, we thought it was worth it.

A quick tour behind the scenes to see where the "magic" happens and a glimpse at the impressive wood smokers, which had to be craned into the building, topped off an evening of great food and great service.

Fro Co - frozen custard - was our choice of dessert and they are creamy and delicious. (Image: Hickory's Smokehouse)

Would we go again? Yes, definitely, but we may have to wait a while for the excess of the evening to go down first.