I did not have takeaway cocktails on my bingo card when I booked lunch at Hickory’s Smokehouse Derby.
It’s a place I have visited before. As the sun was out and I was in a jaunty mood, I decided to revisit the Chellaston site that is 20 minutes from Derby city centre.
It is a loud and proud, joyously hollerin’ celebration of food and drink from America’s southern states.
Lest you forget American food is on the menu, décor emblazoned with USA flags, Tennessee signage and country music playing in the background will fill you with American spirit.
Read more: What's On in Derby?
I had never had grape soda before, so it was my first time trying the traditional American drink.
I found it a little on the sweet side and the flavour reminiscent of Vimto.
The food was cooked well, a personal favourite was my jalapeño flecked hotdog that was smoky with a delectable chilli hit.
I also loved how the accompanying slaw was made with crème fraîche instead of mayonnaise. This meant I could enjoy it without palaver of asking it to be removed (thanks to a mayonnaise allergy).
Diners at the table also enjoyed their lunch, the ranch eggs hitting that sweet spot that was filling yet light.
Portions are so very generous at Hickory’s, I didn’t have room for dessert.
What I absolutely loved was takeaway cocktails, I enjoyed my Miami Vice in the car (I was a passenger, not driving so I could enjoy the alcoholic drink).
Hickory’s Derby is a fun place for the whole family, customer service is ace.
The restaurant may need to keep an eye on tables in alcoves near the back of the restaurant. No one came to ask us how our meal was, and I couldn’t get any servers’ attention as I was missing ketchup.
Overall I enjoyed dining at Hickory’s and look forward to dining there again.
What we ate at Hickory’s Smokehouse Derby
- Grape soda £4.30
- Cloudy lemonade £4.30
- Mac & cheese side £5.50
- Garlic mushrooms £4.25
- Classic hotdog with chips and slaw £12.99
- Ranch eggs £9.50
Total: £40.84 (not including service charge)
Location: Hickory's Smokehouse, Swarkestone Road, Chellaston, Derby DE73 5UE
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5. Roast garlic butter mushrooms were a second side to make up a main meal
Meaty mushroom in quarters were a generously portioned dish | Ria Ghei