Hickory's Smokehouse Standish Almond Brook Road Standish Wigan

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to tell about a place that's got more smoke than a dragon's breath and more flavour than a rainbow after a storm. We're talking about Hickory's Smokehouse, the little gem nestled on Standish's Almond Brook Road. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Standish? Isn't that where the dinosaurs went on holiday?" Well, maybe not, but trust me, after a visit to Hickory's, you'll feel like you've been on a culinary Jurassic adventure.

Now, Let Me Set the Scene

Picture this: you're driving down Almond Brook Road, Wigan. You've passed the 'Welcome to Standish' sign, and you're wondering, "Where's the party at?" Then, like a beacon of hope in the distance, you spot it - Hickory's Smokehouse. It's like the sun breaking through the clouds on a rainy day, but instead of rain, it's raining ribs. And we all know that's the best kind of rain.

But First, a Little History Lesson

Hickory's isn't just some fly-by-night operation. No, sir. It's been smoking up a storm since 2010. That's right, it's been around longer than some of your kids' favourite YouTubers. And just like those YouTubers, Hickory's has a knack for making things look easy, while behind the scenes, it's a flurry of activity. But more on that later.

Now, Let's Talk Food

Hickory's is all about the low and slow. We're talking 16-hour smoked brisket, pulled pork that's been coaxed to perfection, and ribs that fall off the bone like they're auditioning for a ballet company. And the best part? It's all smoked over hickory wood. None of that gas nonsense. It's like they're saying, "We're doing this the old-fashioned way, and if you don't like it, you can talk to my hickory stick."

But it's not just about the meat. Oh no, Hickory's has got sides that'll make your taste buds do the Macarena. We're talking about corn on the cob so sweet it'll make your teeth hurt, baked beans that'll make you question why you ever bothered with the canned stuff, and coleslaw that's got more kick than a mule in a tutu.

And the Sauces? Well, That's a Whole Other Story

Hickory's has got more sauces than a paint store. There's the Sweet & Sticky, which is like a hug in a bottle. Then there's the Devil's Drizzle, which is like that hug, but it's on fire and it's wearing a tutu. And don't even get me started on the BBQ Bacon Jam. I mean, come on! It's like they're daring you to have a bad time.

But What About the Drinks, You Ask?

Well, Hickory's hasn't forgotten about the thirsty folks. They've got a bar that's longer than my to-do list (and that's saying something). They've got beers from local breweries, cocktails that'll make your eyes water (in a good way), and a wine list that's longer than a Tolstoy novel. And the best part? They've got a whole menu dedicated to non-alcoholic drinks. I mean, it's like they read my mind. Or maybe they just know their audience.

And the Service? Let Me Tell You...

Hickory's staff are like a well-oiled machine. They're friendly, they're efficient, and they've got more patience than a saint. I mean, they've got to deal with hungry customers who've been waiting for their meat to cook for 16 hours. That's like waiting for paint to dry, but with more anticipation and less boredom.

Now, Let's Talk About the Surprise

You might be thinking, "This all sounds great, but what's the catch?" Well, here it is - Hickory's Smokehouse is affordable. I mean, it's like they're saying, "We're going to give you the best BBQ you've ever had, and we're not even going to charge you an arm and a leg for it." It's like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, but instead of gold, it's a plate of ribs.

And the Best Part? It's Not Just for Special Occasions

Hickory's is the kind of place you can go for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a date night. It's the kind of place where you can wear your best jeans and your most comfortable shoes. It's the kind of place where you can let your hair down (literally, if you've got one of those hairdos that's always trying to escape).

But What About the Surprising Fact?

You might not know this, but Hickory's Smokehouse is part of a bigger family. It's like the cool cousin who everyone wants to hang out with. The family is called The Smokehouse Group, and they've got restaurants all over the place. But Hickory's? Well, it's the original. It's the one that started it all. It's like the firstborn child that everyone loves just a little bit more.

And the Moral of the Story?

If you're looking for a place that's got more flavour than a flavor factory, more smoke than a chimney, and more fun than a barrel of monkeys, then you need to head on down to Hickory's Smokehouse on Almond Brook Road in Standish, Wigan. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. And who knows? You might even see a dinosaur. But probably not.