Inside Swindon's newest restaurant 'going down a storm' with locals
Staff at a new restaurant in Swindon have been 'blown away' by the positive response from locals after a successful opening weekend.
Hickory's Smokehouse in Middleleaze was scheduled to open on Monday, May 26 but work to transform the former Brookhouse Farm Hungry Horse pub ran ahead of schedule and the team opened up the restaurant three days early.
A spokesperson for the restaurant said they have been 'blown away' by the reaction from guests coming in to be the first to test out the new eatery over a busy bank holiday weekend.
"Once we announced that we were able to open a little earlier than planned, guests heard the news and came to check out their new smokehouse", a spokesperson said.
"So far, the team are settling in well, guests seem to love what we have done with the place and our smokehouse classics seem to be going down a storm."
The Texan restaurant features a relaxed neighbourhood bar area, large sporting screens and cosy booths.
For younger visitors, the site boasts a 'movie room' with specially designed menus, an interactive fro-co (frozen custard) creation station and an outdoor play area.
The menu includes dishes such as Memphis ribs, Texas-style brisket and BBQ pulled pork, which are all smoked using hickory wood.
(Image: Hickory's Smokehouse)
(Image: Hickory's Smokehouse)
(Image: Hickory's Smokehouse) Milkshakes, burgers, steaks and fajitas are expected to be popular choices, and the restaurant assures that vegetarians are also covered on the menu.
The Chester-based company opened their first Hickory's in the city over 15 years ago and now has restaurants across the Midlands, Yorkshire, North Wales, and one in Gloucester.
The Swindon branch is the first of its kind in Wiltshire.
Staff at Hickory's say they're "thrilled to be opening in Swindon", and can't believe the warm welcome they've had.
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"We are beyond happy to be in Swindon," said general manager Ajay Palmer, a Swindon local.
"I have been part of the Hickory's family for over seven years now, and to be finally opening here in my hometown is an absolute privilege.
"We have all been overwhelmed by the welcome we have had, and we cannot wait to introduce them to our new home and hopefully convert a whole host of new fans to all things BBQ."
To kick off the opening, Hickory's invited over 300 guests to come and try their menu, including representatives from Swindon Town FC, locally based charities, schools and businesses.
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