One couple have been inspired to embark on a cross-country road trip after visiting one specific Chester restaurant.

The first Hickory's Smokehouse opened in 2010 in Chester.

Three years later, Amanda and Simon Richards had their first date there, returning to the same venue on the way home from their wedding.

Today, Hickory's Smokehouse has branches all over the country, but the pair haven't forgotten their roots.

Amanda, who works in the early years sector and Simon, a Sandbach town councillor, have visited every Hickory's in the country.

The couple now get invited to any pre-launch events if a restaurant is opening, so they can test out the service and food and give their feedback.

Four year-old Lily has her own Hickory's passport to keep track of visits (Image via: Amanda Richards)

They have now passed their love of Hickory's on to their young children, Oliver and Lily, who have their own homemade Hickory's passports to keep a track of their visits.

Amanda, whose favourite dish is southern fried chicken, told Nub News: "When I turned 30 I had it on my bucket list to visit every Hickory's in the country.

"We just love Hickory's and so do the children, who love the children's meals and the cinema showing Disney films.

"They don't want to go out to eat anywhere else."

The franchise also sent the couple special embroidered Hickory's jackets.

They have since set up their own Instagram page here, to chart their Hickory's journeys.

Looking back on where it began, Simon mentioned the bumpy start to their first date in Chester.

The pair have visited every Hickory's restaurant in the country (Image via: Amanda Richards)

He said: "When we got there we found it was full but because I used to go there with the American football team I played with, they found us a space in the sports bar to eat.

"The restaurants have such a lovely atmosphere and the staff are so helpful and welcoming.

"We just love Hickory's.

"We have based ourselves in an area so we can visit two or three if we're on holiday.

"I think they're opening around another ten new ones."

Owned by Greene King, the chain has plans to open ten new sites next year, after completing six in 2024, and four in 2023.

At the start of this month (December), Hickory's opened its 25th site in Stafford, featuring a chef's bar where guests can watch food being cooked and a cinema room for children.

It's likely the Richards might have a few more miles to cover in 2025.