Hickory's Smokehouse in Gamston announces it's opening ahead of schedule

They're raring to go - with authentic US barbecue on the menu

Nottinghamshire's new Hickory's Smokehouse has revealed it is opening today, Friday, October 4 - three days ahead of schedule. The restaurant in Gamston has demonstrated it's ready after a number of practice nights for invited guests earlier this week.

The doors in Ambleside, at the former Goose at Gamston pub, were opening at 4pm with a menu offering the barbecue taste of America's Deep South such as Memphis ribs, pulled pork and slow-cooked smoky beef brisket.

General manager Donna Wrightham said: ‘The team are absolutely raring to go! We’ve had such a brilliant week, welcoming some of the local community to our practice evenings, and we are super-excited to be throwing open the doors officially, a few days ahead of schedule."

Guests who attended the training nights were impressed by the team’s authentic take on southern hospitality, and social media has been awash with positive comments and feedback from guests.

The children’s cinema room, Fro-Co (frozen custard station), and outdoor play area have all been big hits with younger guests while the grown-ups have been impressed with the new neighbourhood bar area, the booths, the outside heated huts and the authentic BBQ smokehouse menu.

Lifestyle blogger and mum-of-five Victoria Heron said: "We have been meaning to visit one of the other local Hickory’s for some time and oh boy, it didn’t disappoint. The facilities for kids from the cinema room to the Fro-Co station, outdoor area and menu are just outstanding. The kids were made to feel so welcome by the team and we actually got to enjoy our food in relative peace. Genius!”

Sherwood butcher Johnny Pusztai, aka The Snobby Butcher, said: "The team have been so welcoming from the start. Even before the practice evening, the team dropped some of their signature BBQ rubs at the shop and we have created some unique Southern-style sausages using their secret mixes. The practice night itself blew my mind. The service, food and attention to detail were just incredible. Five stars from me!’

As well as the classic low 'n' slow meats, Hickory's also serves burgers, subs, steaks and fajitas, alongside a selection of vegetarian options. They’ve also got guests covered with quirky desserts, milkshakes, sodas, cocktails, easy-drinking session ales, a selection of bottles and craft beers and a collection of over 25 bourbons.

As they famously claim, the new Hickory’s Smokehouse will be serving authentic Southern barbeque, "8 days a week" until 11pm. Gamston is the second Nottinghamshire restaurant for the company which opened in Nuthall in 2021 and had 24 around the country.