Heads + Tails, West Hampstead

The concept of new West Hampstead bar Head + Tails is simple but effective. On the ground floor you have Heads — a spacious cocktail bar bathed in natural light — and beneath that, in the dark and moody basement, you have Tails. The bar is the joint venture of industry wizards Will Partridge, whose successes include Wax Jambu and Kilburn Ironworks, and Chris Dennis, the brains behind Soho's Dispute and former Brixton bar Sovereign Loss.

Everything about Heads + Tails is juxtaposed: the drinks, the music, even the bars themselves, with a white marble counter in Heads contrasting with solid dark wood in Tails.

Up above you can sip on long, refreshing cocktails — and even sit in the garden if the weather is fine. The vibe is stylish and clean-cut: the bar is light and elegant with high-vaulted ceilings.

In the basement, meanwhile, you’ll find shorter concoctions that are heavy on the spirits. The atmosphere is more club-like, with dark walls and a low ceiling.

With its extensive cocktail menu, warm service and flexible ambiance, Heads + Tails is a welcome addition to the neighbourhood's bar scene.