Hickory's Smokehouse opens its doors

Shrewsbury-based Morris Property has formally handed over the keys to a prime riverside location to Hickory’s Smokehouse for its first restaurant in Shropshire.

The 11-strong privately-owned restaurant group, inspired by Southern USA hospitality, has signed a 15-year lease and has now opened at Victoria Quay following a major transformation of the former Waterfront bar.

The premises joins Brunning and Price’s well-established Armoury restaurant and The Riverbank in the leisure quarter.

Hickory’s Smokehouse managing director, John Welsh, said: “We are thrilled to be opening a new restaurant in Shrewsbury, it’s such a beautiful place with a unique offering and we can’t wait to introduce lots of new guests to Hickory’s.”

Hickory’s Smokehouse head of property, Jim Bishop, said: “We’re always on the lookout for suitable opportunities to open new Hickory’s and Victoria Quay is a fantastic addition to the group.”

Morris Property’s head of estates, Liz Lowe, said: “This is a key area for regeneration of the West End and part of the wider Big Town Plan. We are delighted to welcome Hickory’s Smokehouse who have recognised the building’s potential.

“The new restaurant is a great addition to an already vibrant area of the town centre and we are sure it will prove popular with locals and visitors alike, increasing footfall in and around the Victoria Quay area. It has been a true pleasure working with such a highly professional organisation as Hickory’s and their contractors.”

It was Morris Property Chairman Robin Morris who led the vision for Victoria Quay with the conversion of the Armoury building into a riverside pub and restaurant, which opened in March 1996.  The company continued to invest in its buildings along the quayside, transforming the leisure quarter with space for more restaurants and bars and a pontoon for Shrewsbury’s passenger boat, Sabrina.

Pictured: Hickory's head of property Jim Bishop and Morris Property's head of estates Liz Lowe