This isn’t the kind of place you’d expect to find in the middle of a housing estate but “Hickory’s Smokehouse”:http://hickorys.co.uk/ in Kew, Southport doesn’t seem to fit in England either. It is a huge place that has recently been done up – even the parking lot which is quite large. There is a big patio outside and inside the restaurant is very woody with lots of American decor. The style is Louisiana barbeque and the menu is very southern USA. In one area there is a huge table for 10 around a fire for parties. The other tables are quite good sizes as well. This is one of seven locations – the others being Burton Green, Castle Bromwich, Chester, Rhos-on-Sea, Wall Heath and West Kirby.
Our server brought popcorn to the table for us to munch on while we waited for our food, not that it was a long wait. We all had the 2 course lunch special for £10. My aunt had the garlic mushrooms on ciabatta; my uncle had the chicken wings; and I had the king prawn pancake to start. For our mains we all had the catfish – 2 large pieces with fries in a tin cup, homemade tartar sauce and grilled lemon to squeeze on. It was very tasty and the batter on the fish was light. Servings are generous.
I could have taken the bathroom sink home: it is a Belfast sink with single spigot taps. I’m not sure how much the neighbours appreciate having this restaurant in their midst when it gets busy at night and on the weekends but the food was delicious and the service was excellent. Maybe they’re used to some noise as this location was formally the Pageant Pub.
