Back in 2002 Andre Blais had a dream - to bring the taste, the style, the soul of his beloved Kansas City barbecue to London town.

Seven years later, the Bodean's family of diner-delis goes from strength to strength - the result of a tireless team effort dedicated to living the dream.

Ice hockey and all-round sports nut Andre is a team player, and among his big hitters are award-winning chefs making sure that when you eat at Bodean's you're getting the real thing just as surely as if you were sitting 3775 miles away in KC, USA.

Meanwhile, riffing on the styles of inspirational diners from Broadway to Texas to Hollywood, Bodean's resident designer Quentin Reynolds puts a fresh twist on Americana that's a feast for the eye as well as a great place to relax and have fun.

Bodean's regulars all over London know Andre and his team - they're around and about, making sure the slow-smoked BBQ and secret-recipe sauces are up to snuff, the beers frosty, the music hot and the bar stools comfy. Oh, and just keeping an eye on the big screen sports beamed live Stateside.

They say they're working. But when your dedication to the Bodean's dream means you can boast "Best Ribs this Side of the Atlantic'' (Time Out), "Best Sandwich in London'' (Capital Radio) and Best American Restaurant (Tio Pepe Nominated), we guess you're allowed a little me-time.