Hickory's Smokehouse opens first site in Greater Manchester with play area and kids cinema

The company has family-friendly restaurants in Poynton and Wilmslow

Emma Gill Parents editor

13:05, 18 Apr 2025

Hickory's Smokehouse in Standish, Wigan(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)

The popular Hickory's Smokehouse has opened its first site in Greater Manchester with its own kids cinema and outdoor play area.

The much-anticipated restaurant opened earlier than expected on Good Friday at the former Charnley Arms, in Standish, Wigan.

‌

Excitement has been building this week as the team have welcomed guests along for training and practice nights, giving them a chance to sample the much-loved menu, which features classic smokehouse dishes such as ribs, brisket and pulled pork all smoked low ‘n’ slow in its specially imported smokers sitting alongside a selection of signature steaks, burgers and a variety of main courses.

Article continues below

Families love the tasty milkshakes and desserts, including Hickory's famous Fro-Co frozen custard, where little ones can head over to the interactive Fro-Co Creation Station and use fake coins to pick their favourite toppings from the machines.

Inside the new Hickory's in Standish(Image: Hickory's Smokehouse)

The Chester based company opened its first Hickory’s in Chester over 15 years ago and, as well as sites in Poynton and Wilmslow, has restaurants across the Midlands, Yorkshire and North Wales.

‌

Authenticity is key and the team visit the Southern States every year for new ideas and inspiration. They’ve completed 20 plus 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.

Join our Family WhatsApp group HERE

The outdoor area features three dining huts (Image: Hickory's Smokehouse)

‌

The team said they're thrilled to be opening in Standish - their first restaurant in Greater Manchester - and have had an 'unbelievable warm welcome' from the local community.

Hickory’s general manager Mark Hansen said: "We are beyond happy to be opening in Standish. I have been part of the Hickory’s family for over seven years now and I have to say, 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."

The new site, in Almond Brook Road, features a relaxed, neighbourhood bar area, where guests can pop in for drinks, or catch up on the latest sporting action shown on multiple screens.

‌

The Classic Shakes and Freak Shakes are a big hit with customers (Image: Manchester Family / MEN)

Spacious dining areas include cosy booths and larger tables for get-togethers; with Southern touches added to make the whole place 'like stepping into an authentic Texan restaurant from the first hello’.

Alongside the new restaurant space, the whole outside area has also undergone a major transformation and is unrecognisable. Designed for year-round dining and drinking, there is plenty of seating and three dining huts, complete with their own sound systems – making the perfect place for a catch up whatever the weather.

Article continues below

The much-loved menu features classic smokehouse dishes such as ribs, brisket and pulled pork alongside a selection of signature steaks, burgers and a variety of main courses(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)

The signature movie room is likely to be a big hit with kids, showing family-favourites like Moana, Up and Toy Story, as well as the new outdoor play area with climbing frames and play equipment.

Hickory's was expected to open next week, but opened a few days ahead of schedule so bookings can now be made online for Easter weekend. Slots are expected to fill up fast.