Restaurant opens today at Caldecotte Lake, a few days ahead of schedule…
The team behind the hugely popular, Southern style restaurant, Hickory’s Smokehouse are now ready to swing open the doors at their impressive new restaurant on the banks of Caldecotte Lake in Milton Keynes. Excitement has been building this week as the team have welcomed guests to their community-focused training & practice nights.
The team have announced that, now all the final snagging is complete, they will be opening the doors today, Friday 11th April at 4pm, a few days ahead of schedule!
The Chester based company opened their first Hickory’s in Chester over 15 years ago and have restaurants across the North-West, North Wales, Nottingham, Yorkshire and closer to home in the Midlands. The team are thrilled to be opening in Milton Keynes, it’s the most southernly location to date for the group, and the team said that they have had an unbelievable warm welcome from the local community.
Hickory’s General Manager Anthony Saiya said: ‘We are so delighted to be opening in Milton Keynes. Having grown up and worked in the area, I understand first-hand how friendly and supportive the local community can be. We’ve had such an unbelievable welcome from our neighbours around Caldecotte Lake, and we cannot wait to introduce them to our new home and hopefully convert a whole host of new fans to all things BBQ!’
So, what can you expect?
Authenticity is key, the team visit the Southern States every year for new ideas and inspiration – they’ve completed 20+ road trips, all around the highways and byways of Texas, Louisiana and the BBQ belt, and are already busy planning their next trip later this year. So, with 15 years of smokin’ BBQ experience, and fuelled by a passion to bring a true slice of the Deep South to Bedfordshire, it’s an exciting time for Milton Keynes.
The team have created a welcoming space for the whole community. From the relaxed, neighbourhood bar area, where guests are equally welcome to enjoy just drinks or watch sport, with multiple screens and stunning views across the lake, to the spacious dining areas which include cosy booths and larger tables for get-togethers, and there are lots of Southern touches that they’ve picked up from their road trips.
The stunning new Lake Room- the team created, to make the most of the awe-inspiring views, comes complete with a fully retractable roof and glass sides, meaning guests can experience al-fresco style dining, whatever the weather.
The inclusive vibe here goes way beyond the design of the building, with younger guests being equally well catered for with their signature cinema room, specially designed menus and interactive ‘Fro-Co’ (frozen custard) Creation Station.
Alongside the new restaurant space, the outside area has also undergone a major transformation & is unrecognisable. Designed for year-round dining and drinking, the team have created a series of
decked terraces, all with unrivalled views of the lake and there is even an outdoor bar for those long-lazy days in the sun.
If you love your BBQ, you’re not going to be disappointed.
The menu is packed full of the flavours of the Deep South, with classic smokehouse dishes such as Memphis ribs, Texas-style brisket and BBQ pulled pork all smoked low ‘n’ slow in “Ole Hickory” and “Southern Pride” smokers using hickory wood - which have made it across the Atlantic taking pride and place in the restaurant. And let’s not forget burgers, subs, steaks, and fajitas, alongside a selection of vegetarian options – the menu has something for everyone- or as the team like to say… from no teeth to false teeth.
They’ve got guests covered with quirky desserts, milkshakes, sodas, cocktails & a collection of over 25 bourbons to try, easy-drinking session ales and a selection of bottles & craft beers. Guests are equally welcome for drinks in the bar as they are for dining.
What do the locals think?
Over 300 personally invited guests, representing a cross section of local residents, charity representatives and business contacts, were treated to a full, Southern hospitality experience. From authentic BBQ, smoker tours, margaritas, and milkshakes, to good old fashioned Southern hospitality, guests got the full Hickory’s experience.
Local resident and Mum, Catherine Roberts said: ‘We had the best evening ever! The team were so lovely with the boys – they even got to go behind the bar and make their own milkshake! We can’t wait to come back, and the outside area looks like it’s going to be amazing as we move into the Spring. So good to have them on our doorstep.’
NFL Fan and self-confessed ‘BBQ nut’, Ed Rusling commented: ‘It’s like BBQ heaven! I was literally blown away. The food is so authentic, and the meat is so perfectly smoked and flavoured! I can’t wait for NFL Sunday’s here – the food, the ambience, everything is just spot on.’
Destination Milton Keynes General Manager Andrew Kirby said: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Hickory’s to the local dining scene here in Milton Keynes. Their attention to detail, quality and community focus is second to none and we look forward to working with them as they settle into our local business community over the coming months.’
If you are planning on visiting the much talked about restaurant, our advice is - arrive hungry and get ready to fall in love with the authentic tastes of the Southern States. With generous portion sizes, smokehouse favourites and more BBQ classics than you can handle Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire & beyond you’re in for a treat. For menu information or to book a table please visit: HICKORY’S MILTON KEYNES
