Our longstanding partnership with Hickory’s is built on a shared passion for authenticity, discovery and the belief that great hospitality begins with how a place makes people feel. Drawing on first-hand experiences of America’s Southern States, from traditional Texas smokehouses and roadside smokehouse joints to the warmth of small-town hospitality, our design approach celebrates the materials, craftsmanship and wonderfully eclectic character that make these destinations so memorable. For Letchworth, the ambition was to create something distinctive. A new chapter in the Hickory’s story that remains true to the brand’s Southern roots while establishing its own identity within the local community.

Central to the transformation is a striking new barn-inspired extension, bringing a bold architectural expression to the restaurant while celebrating the agricultural heritage and rustic character associated with the American South. The extension creates a generous new dining environment overlooking the outdoor areas, connecting the interior with the surrounding landscape and bringing a new sense of openness and occasion to the guest experience. Inspired by the traditional barns and rural gathering places of the Southern States, the architecture introduces scale, warmth and texture, complementing the character of the original building while giving the destination a compelling new identity.

At the heart of the bar is a dramatic six-metre-high limestone-clad chimney breast creates a powerful focal point, inspired by traditional masonry found across Texas. Designed by Holly Trehearn, Harrison Senior Interior Designer, the feature incorporates bottle steps into the fireplace and back bar, combining craftsmanship, materiality and storytelling in one distinctive architectural statement. The interplay of natural stone, aged timber, tactile finishes and eclectic Southern-inspired details creates an environment that feels collected over time rather than simply constructed. These are the details that make the difference. Moments of discovery that give a space personality, encourage guests to explore and make every visit feel memorable.

As Holly explains: “It’s more than an architectural feature. It’s a piece of storytelling.”

Hickory’s has always been about more than authentic southern food. It’s about the generosity, warmth and togetherness that define Southern hospitality. At Letchworth, we’ve translated that philosophy into a series of welcoming spaces designed around different occasions and guest needs. From intimate booths and sociable dining areas to the energy of the bar and the theatre of the Chef’s Bar, the restaurant offers guests different ways to connect, celebrate and spend time together. Family-friendly spaces, outdoor dining and areas for children help create a destination that works across generations, throughout the day and across different occasions. The result is a place that retains the welcoming spirit of a community pub while introducing the excitement, theatre and character of a contemporary smokehouse.

As Hickory’s continues to grow across the UK, our challenge is to balance the consistency of a much-loved brand with the individuality that makes each destination special. That means looking beyond familiar design formulas, drawing on genuine cultural references and understanding the people, buildings and communities that shape each location. For Letchworth, the combination of an ambitious barn-inspired extension, distinctive architectural features and richly layered interiors has created a destination with its own identity, while remaining unmistakably Hickory’s.