Hickory's Smokehouse Chester

You'll smell the wood smoke before you even see the sign on Souter's Lane. Step inside and you're hit with that proper BBQ joint atmosphere - exposed brick, dim lighting, and the sound of sizzling platters heading to packed tables. The pulled pork here is the real deal, slow-smoked for hours until it practically melts, whilst their beef brisket has that perfect pink smoke ring that'll make any carnivore weak at the knees. The cocktail list deserves proper attention too - their bourbon selection is serious business, and the bartenders know how to build a drink that can stand up to all that smoky, saucy goodness. Portions are generous enough to leave you planning your next visit before you've finished your chips. Just off the main tourist trail but close enough to The Rows that you can work off dinner with a proper wander.