Housed behind the grand facade of the old Royal Insurance building, NYL flows seamlessly into the Aloft hotel. Its contemporary decor forms a striking counterpoint to the building’s beautifully preserved ceilings and high arched windows – the look helping to attract tourists visiting Liverpool’s spectacular waterfront, as well as business diners who lounge on the heavily padded seating. Food is simple, evoking Stateside urban dining (NYL stands for New York Liverpool): apt, in a city from where so many transatlantic voyages were launched. Steak salad arrives with charred, pink slices of rump piled high on a salad with balsamic reduction; and an NYL burger is a towering stack of beef patty, cheese and tomato with signature relish. Desserts include baked New York cheesecake with tangy raspberry, and ginger crème brûlée piled high in a giant teacup. It’s easy to linger here, despite the lure of the nearby waterfront.