Iver is getting a taste of the Southern States. Hickory’s Smokehouse, the independent BBQ restaurant born from a road trip across America, is transforming the former Crooked Billet on Uxbridge Road into its newest smokehouse, Hickory’s Iver Heath, with doors expected to open in spring 2027.
Born on a road trip, built in Chester
Hickory’s story began in Chester in 2010, after a road trip through America’s Southern States sparked a love of authentic BBQ. More than 15 years on, it is still fiercely independent, and still obsessed with low ‘n’ slow cooking and the food, culture and warm hospitality of Tennessee, Texas and beyond.
What to expect
Plans for the new smokehouse have been designed around the size and character of the former Crooked Billet. Guests can expect cosy booths, live sport, a bar, an outdoor area and a veranda for warmer days.
The centrepiece is the chef’s bar, which gives diners a front-row seat to the kitchen as Hickory’s Pitmasters smoke, grill and serve authentic BBQ.
We’re absolutely fired up to be bringing Hickory’s to Iver! Hickory’s began with a road trip and a passion for the food and hospitality of America’s Southern States. More than 15 years later, we’re still just as obsessed with authentic BBQ and giving every guest a genuinely warm Southern welcome. We can’t wait to get the smokers fired up, become part of the local community for many years to come and swing open the doors in Spring 2027.
John Welsh, Hickory’s Smokehouse
Up to 90 new jobs for Iver
The opening represents a significant investment in the Uxbridge Road restaurant and will create up to 90 jobs. Hickory’s will be recruiting passionate chefs, servers, bartenders and managers, and supporting current team members. The Crooked Billet team has been told about the plans, and the pub is due to close in November before reopening as Hickory’s Iver Heath in the spring.
The TrendLife verdict
Independent restaurants with this much personality are worth celebrating, and a proper smokehouse with a chef’s bar will be a welcome addition to Iver Heath. We’ll be first in line for the brisket when the smokers fire up next spring.
