Manahatta arrived in Brum in a wild flurry of sequins, cocktail towers and eyebrow-singeing fireworks. We missed the spectacle of the launch party in the flesh and had terrible FOMO, so we thought we’d put it right.

Two-for-one cocktails and a plate of excellent nachos loaded with cheesy gooey loveliness, soured cream, avo and punchy pulled beef kicked off lunch in the best possible way. An Elderflower and Mint Cooler was packed with zingy grapefruit along with gin and prosecco adding a bit of mid-week warmth and fuzziness. It was delish and we happily slurped a couple.

The Rhubarb Fizz – vodka, prosecco, rhubarb, cocchi Americano topped with a hibiscus foam made in house – was also on the money. It’s quite sweet, so if that’s not your thing go for something else. There’s plenty of choice. It was our mate’s thing, so happy days. Drinks are a big deal here. As well as cocktails, a procession of prosecco bottles flying out from the bar was non-stop. The cocktail trees look like a lot of fun if you’re a crowd – six cocktails for £55.

The food menu is New York-inspired. Brunch lasts all day until 4pm and is packed with things such as chicken and bacon stack or a sweet Reese’s stack with peanut butter and chocolatey goodness. There are burgers, hot dogs, a classic New York Reuben bagel, bao buns that feel a bit random, but sound excellent and lots of other treats.

I went for All American Hotdog – nine inches of dog in a brioche bun loaded with cheese, pickles, jalapeños, ketchup and mustard. It was a whopper and probably the first time I’ve eaten a hotdog with cutlery. I loved all the extras as I’m a sucker for pickles and a bit of heat. I switched the skin on fries for sweet potatoes which was a very good call. They’re sensational.

The mate went all in for something called an Empire Chicken Stack which consisted of crisp chicken, a waffle, pancetta, cheese, coleslaw, maple syrup, skin-on fries and sweet potato fries piled high. There was a lot to grapple with here. The sweet potato fries were top notch, coleslaw was delicious and the waffle maple syrup combo was a winner. The pancetta wasn’t crisp and the chicken was a bit bland, however, and it’s a big however, it’s not fine dining and doesn’t bill itself as that. It’s reasonably priced, fun and a brilliant place to hang out or party with your pals.

The décor is fabulous creating a space you want to spend time in and service is super-friendly. A shout out to the lovely Dee who went above and beyond chasing me down Temple Street at full pelt with the phone I’d left behind. It saved me a lot of bother, so thank you Dee!