Emma Johnson takes a bite out of the Big Apple without setting foot outside Liverpool

IT IS at the heart of Liverpool's business district, but the James Monro’s menu has its roots on the mean streets of New York city.

Described as an NYC restaurant and speak-easy, it promises authentic New York indulgence “from Little Italy to the Latin Quarter to the American great plains” and, while there is no steam coming up from the pavements outside, they sure have the Big Apple’s flavours nailed.

The sister ship to The Monro, the award-winning gastro-pub on Duke Street, the James Monro (named after the first scheduled passenger ship service to New York from Liverpool back in 1817, itself named after then US President James Monro) has a similar feel to its famous sibling in that its traditional pub exterior belies a stylish and modern eaterie.

When we popped in on a Friday lunchtime, it was awash with office workers swapping dinner al desko for some proper food.

However, we were able to grab a good booth. Getting drinks was a bit more difficult. Although we initially ordered at the bar, about 15 minutes later the waiter came over and asked again for our order.

Still, it was peak time, and at least it gave us more time to study the menu.

At lunch time this is split into five sections: pasture raised burgers, NYC lunch plates, JM sandwiches, lunch lights and the veggie corner.

Although a committed meat lover, I rarely eat burgers, but the ones here seemed worth breaking tradition for. Both the James Monro chilli burger (£8.25) and the Latino burger – Spanish chorizo with fresh ground beef and a chorizo chutney (£9.25) sounded delicious.

In the end, I ordered the Bronx burger (£8.95) a homemade 12 oz pattie, topped with melting Gruyere cheese, fries and a tomato relish and loosened my belt.