Plans have been submitted to transform a North Wales pub into a Hickory’s restaurant. The first Hickory’s Smokehouse opened in 2010 in Chester and the chain unveiled its first - and so far only - North Wales site in 2014.

Since then the US themed brand has expanded and last year it was acquired by pub group Greene King. This spring it was revealed that the group wanted to add an extra North Wales site - turning the Squire Yorke, a Greene King pub, into the latest Hickory’s restaurant.

Now plans have been submitted with Wrexham Council. A planning statement said: “The premises is undergoing a rebranding exercise to a pub/restaurant under the Hickorys banner.

“The present layout of the premises requires some updating to reflect workplace changes in both the kitchen and public areas of the building. The current layout provides for 201 covers, however, the internal area of the pub/restaurant is dated and in order to become more efficient and allow more comfortable space for customers and staff a front, single storey extension is proposed.

READ MORE: Campervan owners name North Wales site best in UK and put national park on top 10 list

“This extension will allow for the back of house to be enlarged to create a modern kitchen arrangement, which will interact with the front of house area, and be up to date with health and safety standards. The current kitchen extraction arrangements will be retained and upgraded with more modern and efficient internal equipment installed. A small, timber open sided veranda is also proposed to provide a smoking area for customers. There is an increase in floor area with the extension to the pub however, the number of covers will be reduced to 198 due to the internal back of house size increase and the extra overall space given to the customer area.

“In addition to the changes in the main building the adjacent Wacky Warehouse is to be modified internally. Currently there are difficulties with storage and deliveries to the site. To facilitate a more efficient delivery/storage process an area of approximately 25% of the Wacky Warehouse is to be removed from public use and used as a back of house facility.”

They added: “The proposed development is seen as a leap forward for The Squire York, bringing it up to date and providing for an operator that is great demand around the country. The relatively small extensions and refurbishments will enhance the offering to the local community without causing any detriment to public or private amenities. The development also fully complies with the provisions of the extant development plan.”

The plans will now be considered by planners at Wrexham council.