Back in '94 I worked on this side of the pond for a couple of years. It was my first time in the States and led to an extensive exploration of all the bars and restaurants in the surrounding areas.

At the time, the Awful Arthurs Seafood Company in downtown Roanoke VA was new and half the size it is now, but still had the same friendly vibe with a good beer selection and, being a seafood fan, a great menu! It was the scene of many an evening of over-extended partying, regrettably followed by a morning of bleary eyed regret... 'Ill never drink again!'  ;)

The Awful Arthurs brand name is fun and the bar t-shirts had a range of cheeky slogans - my then girlfriend (and now wife) favourite was 'Got Crabs?' I had a few but certainly the most travelled was 'manufacturing quality hangovers since 1994' and 10 years later, on a return trip the 'Noke, Nathan my 5 year old son, joined the club when he was kindly donated a free 'I'm an awful kid' t-shirt from the then-manager Kimmie.