If you love the deep, smoky flavours of American BBQ, you’re going to want to clear some space in your diary. Hickory’s Smokehouse has announced it will be opening its doors in Cardiff this autumn, bringing its unique Southern-inspired smokehouse experience to the capital.
The new restaurant will take over the former Melrose Rose Inn pub, once The Heron Marsh in St Mellons, on the east side of the city. It marks the brand’s third opening in Wales and, crucially, its first venture into south Wales. Their smokehouses in Rhos-on-Sea and Wrexham have already proven a hit, attracting loyal crowds who keep coming back for more of that authentic slow-cooked flavour.
So, what can Cardiff expect? We travelled to Hickory’s Gloucester to get a taste of what’s in store.
A true taste of the Deep South
Hickory’s isn’t just about food; it’s about theatre, atmosphere and experience. From the moment you walk in, you’re hit with a warm southern welcome. The team are friendly, attentive, and clearly buy into the whole Hickory’s ethos. Inside, the walls are lined with American memorabilia, rustic wood panelling, and nods to BBQ culture.
There’s a lively bar area for sports fans. Think NFL screenings and ice-cold beers, while families are well catered for too, with booths, big tables and even a free children’s cinema complete with complimentary popcorn. Yes, really.
The theming extends beyond décor. You’ll find branded Hickory’s sauces, drinks and even merchandise on sale, adding to the feeling that you’ve stepped straight into a little slice of Texas.
Meet the pitmaster
One of the biggest names behind the Cardiff opening will be Dave, the pitmaster we met in Gloucester. He’s somewhat of a smoking legend, having honed his craft across various smokehouses and festivals. His job? Exactly what it says on the tin – cutting, seasoning and slow-smoking meat for up to 16 hours. The passion in his voice when he talks about brisket, ribs and rubs is infectious.
Dave will be moving to Cardiff to take up the same role here, so you can expect his expertise and those secret Hickory’s blends to be part of every plate.
Fun fact: Hickory’s famously say they’re open “eight days a week”. It’s not a typo. It’s a tongue-in-cheek nod to the fact they smoke meat every single day of the year.
Drinks and dining
We kicked off with a round of drinks. Hickory’s Pale Ale (5%) – brewed exclusively for the restaurant – was a highlight, full-bodied but easy to drink. The bar also stocks a mix of familiar names, like Brooklyn Lager, as well as cloudy lemonade and grape soda served in jam jars for that extra Americana touch.
For those with a sweet tooth, there are freakshakes and American sodas too. Cardiff’s drinks list is still under wraps, but if Gloucester is anything to go by, expect a well-stocked bar and some tempting cocktail deals.
The Smokehouse Sharer
When it came to food, we decided to go all-in with the Smokehouse Sharer for two (£67). It’s the perfect choice if, like us, you struggle to pick just one thing. The platter includes:
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Texas-style, grain-fed beef brisket
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Memphis-style baby back ribs
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BBQ baby back ribs
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Smoked pork, jalapeño & cheese sausage
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Hand-pulled pork with BBQ pit beans
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Eight-hour smoked Jacob’s ladder
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Bourbon-glazed chicken wings
All served with skin-on fries, cornbread, house slaw, pickles and Tennessee bourbon gravy.
It’s an absolute feast. The brisket was pull-apart tender, the ribs sticky and juicy, and the sausage carried a gentle kick from the jalapeños. If you fancy levelling up, you can add Hickory’s “magic dust” to your fries for an extra pound – a smoky seasoning blend that does for BBQ fans what peri-peri salt does for Nando’s lovers.
On the side, we couldn’t resist the bacon bites (£9). These chunks of slow-smoked bacon, tossed in bourbon and paired with a blue cheese dip, were indulgent and dangerously moreish.
Sadly, dessert defeated us. Next time, the warm cinnamon churros and the campfire s’mores have our names on them.
Behind the scenes
The head chef in Gloucester gave us a sneak peek behind the scenes, and it’s clear Hickory’s take authenticity seriously. The smoker is in constant use, running all day, every day, and everything is made from scratch. No shortcuts, no bought-in barbecue. This is the real deal.
Cardiff, get ready
Now, a meal at Hickory’s isn’t the cheapest night out – our sharing platter alone was £67 – but it’s very much a case of “you get what you pay for”. The quality of the food, the attention to detail, and the whole dining experience make it worth it.
When the doors open in St Mellons this autumn, Cardiff is in for a treat. With Dave at the smoker, a buzzing atmosphere and a menu full of southern soul, it’s not hard to see why Hickory’s has such a cult following elsewhere.
Bookings will be available online, and while they keep a few tables aside for walk-ins, we wouldn’t be surprised to see queues around the block in those early weeks.
No official opening date has been confirmed yet, but recruitment is underway, with the brand set to create around 100 jobs. The address is: Pascal Close, St Mellons, Cardiff CF3 2UZ.
Barbecue lovers, the countdown is on.
