I am a big fan of smoked food and when I got the invite to Hickory’s Smokehouse I couldn’t wait. The smokehouse has a few branches dotted around the UK. I was invited to the Burton Green branch in Warwickshire.

A bit about Hickory’s

The smokehouse serves South American cuisine in a relaxed surrounding.  Their rubs are from the Deep South and so are a lot of their secret recipes. The country music playing in the background goes with the theme of the restaurant and creates a relaxing atmosphere. I imagine a lot of the restaurants in Southern America to have a similar ambiance (I have yet to explore).

Hickory’s Smokehouse started with a road trip to the Southern States. Their smokers are imported from Missouri & Tennessee. They love a challenge and are constantly learning and improving. Here is the place to go for authentic dishes, delivered by passionate staff. 

Surroundings

On entering the restaurant, there was a hand sanitiser “The Southern Sanitiser”. The manager Jack greeted us at the front desk. He welcomed us and after seating us down explained about their food and their COVID measures. They have hand sanitizers dotted around the restaurant, are using disposable menus, have spaced seating and are there to ensure you have a relaxed enjoyable meal.

The indoor seating area is spaced out and there is a selection to choose from; cubicle, counter or just a normal table. This Hickory’s has a beautiful outdoor seating area too for those who prefer to dine outside or just enjoy that delicious milkshake or cocktail outdoors.

Within a couple of minutes of being seated, our server, Charlotte, came over to take our drinks order. She also brought some sweet and salted popcorn and water. That popcorn was great and what a nice complimentary snack to offer guests. 

The service was flawless and it was clear the staff enjoyed working there.

Drinks

Cocktails, Milkshakes, Homemade Lemonades.. the selection was great and it was hard to pick what to have.
The sun was out and Kev was gasping for a milkshake while the look of the frozen cocktail caught my eye.
Grasshopper: Freshly made shake with minted white chocolate & cookies this tasted like how it sounded.. delicious, creamy and so satisfying. 
Frozen Pornstar: The passion and vodka were well blended and the cocktail, which came with the Prosecco shot tasted perfect. It was my idea of a slushie. It was not diluted and had a great taste. 
Cotton Candy: Gin & Cointreau, shaken with lemon juice and sweetened with candy floss. Not only was this gram friendly, but it was also delicious

Starters

Cheesy Nachos: To start with we shared some light salsa nachos which came with gooey cheese, sour cream, avocado mayo, & jalapeños. Each mouthful was crispy and full of flavours and texture. It was a great sharing starter.  

Mains

For mains, Jack suggested we tried the Sharing Platter for two to give us a flavour of everything they do. What a platter it was! Their magic rub definitely is a winner. Excellent value for what you get and the portion was very generous. Here was what came on the platter:

• 6 hour grain-fed, Texas style beef brisket. Kev said it was delicious and so soft. It looks juicy
• Memphis-style baby back ribs & BBQ baby back ribs, both soaked in some delicious sauce then smoked for 4 hours. Coated with a delicious sweet, spicy mild rub.
• A 2 hour smoked pork, jalapeno & cheese sausage, juicy and perfectly barbecued
• 14 hour smoked, melt in your mouth pulled pork, served with tasty barbecue bits
• Eight-hour smoked Jacob’s Ladder, perfectly glazed in a Tennessee bourbon gravy
• Tasty, tender, bourbon glazed slow-smoked chicken wings
• Two portion of fries. We had a plain one and a cheese and chilli one
• Onions, house slaw and a pickle

No American meal is complete unless you have Mac & Cheese right? We order a side of the cheesy dish. Each mouthful comfortably melted and was delicious.

Desserts

By this point we were in a food coma but could not resist the desserts. We did pick light(ish) ones. I loved the presentation of the desserts we picked. It was different and made the experience enjoyable. 

Cinnamon Coated Churros: The churros came on a little rack with a pot of chocolate dip. Covered in cinnamon and sugar, these melt in your mouth churros were served warm and perfect with and without the dip. 

Table Toasted Campfire Marshmallows: I was excited at the sound of this dessert and even more excited when we received it. The cutest campfire set up. It made the dessert fun and interactive. The little flames from the mini fire pit were ideal to make toasty marshmallows before dipping them in chocolate. It is a great sharing dessert too. 

I was very impressed by Hickory’s Smokehouse. Cannot believe it was my first time there (but will not be the last). Share the word and go try it for yourself. You will not be disappointed especially if you are a fan of the Deep South cuisine, not to forget the fantastic cocktails and mouth-watering milkshakes. 

Hickory’s Smokehouse, Burton Green
Address: 216 Cromwell Lane, Coventry, Warwickshire. CV4 8AP
Tel: 024 7752 4114

Neha

Disclaimer [AD]: This was an invite/gift. All views, opinions and photos are my own unless otherwise stated.