Smokies Grill Hut takeaway loved for its 'dirty' burgers to reopen at Longton's Red Lion pub

Customers of Smokies Grill Hut were surprised when bosses announced at the end of August that it would temporarily close at its location behind the Black Bull pub in Liverpool Road, Longton.

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At that time, they said the closure was “due to unforeseen circumstances”, and promised to be back.

On their website, owners added: “During this hiatus, our dedicated team will be diligently working to make necessary improvements, refine our menu offerings, and create an even better dining experience for you to enjoy in the near future.”

When is it reopening and where?

Today (November 8), bosses have announced that the takeaway is coming back – in a new location across the road from the Black Bull.

From 2pm on Friday, November 10, the takeaway van will be operating from the rear of the Red Lion, close to the astroturf.

Aaron Millar, who runs Smokies with Sam Carroll, said: “We’re so happy to be back, we’ve missed it.

"We’ve got a bigger van, so we’re able to employ an extra person, and that means we can get through more orders.

"We get very, very busy and sometimes have had to take the orders offline. I’d much rather get quality food out.”

He also confirmed that the menui would contain the same favourite items, apart from rice boxes and burritos – but they could be back after Christmas.

Food can be taken away or eaten inside the Red Lion or at the nearby Lemon Tree if accompanied by a drink bought on the premises.

Why did they close?

Aaron said they simply wanted “a change of scenery”

When will Smokies be open?

These are the opening times:

Wednesday: 4-9pm

Thursday: 4-9pm

Friday: 2-9.30pm

Saturday: 2-9.30pm

Sunday: 2-8.30pm.

What is Smokies Grill Hut?

The takeaway was launched in March 2021 during lockdown by Chorley chef Chris Maughan.

It quickly became a hit and specialises in filthy burgers, dirty fries and naughty fries. Prices start at £4.45 for a plain burger.

Visit Smokies website here.