I moved to London in August and since then I feel like one word I have heard more often than not is brunch.
In London it is so much more than just a meal, but a cult.
The twee two-in-one meal of breakfast and lunch is an event that Londoners plan and indulge in on an almost weekly basis.
Point being that there is such an abundance of restaurants that offer the coveted meal those that stand out and impress in a slightly oversaturated market are impressive.
There are lots of very average places charging £12 and upwards for very questionable portion servings of avocado. And don’t get me started on boozy brunches.
Anyway, I know now to recommend Heads + Tails, a lovely cocktail bar in leafy West Hampstead which is where I had one of my favourite brunches in a long time.
The beautifully sunny day may have added to my high spirit but there was a fun relaxed atmosphere as soon as I walked through the main bar. High ceilings and glass windows on either side allow natural light to instantly brighten the place up.
It was a lovely Sunday morning and my friend C was sitting in the outside garden area sipping a freshly squeezed orange juice awaiting my arrival.
I was immediately offered a coffee and enjoyed the fact that there weren’t cappuccinos on offer – just fresh filter coffee – which is bottomless as well.
It was hot, delicious, and served in large stylish ceramic mugs. A good indicator of things to come.
As we perused the menu, I had a chance to admire the tranquillity of our surroundings; bright beautiful plants and fairy lights adorn the garden area nestled alongside the cosy cushioned arbours.
C has been veggie for a long time, and when in her company I find it is only polite to adhere to this as well. Thankfully there was an ample vegetarian and even vegan selection on the menu.
The mains are small plates priced at a very reasonable £5 with sides available if you are feeling particularly hungry. I chose the aubergine shakshuka which came with avocado, harissa yoghurt and charcoal sourdough. The scrambled eggs were highly recommended, and I ordered that as my side.
The food was all presented very chicly and I’m still not sure what the health benefits are of charcoal sourdough, but it tasted great and allowed me to feel healthy. The scrambled eggs were delicious, with a great consistency and the avocado was well-seasoned and spicy. All the flavours complemented each other perfectly and I didn’t have the annoying feeling that I so often have when I leave brunch of ‘I could have made this better’.
It’s also a very reasonable price of £5 and although I ordered a side, I think even without that I would have been satisfied. It’s a very good price – particularly in Hampstead.
Given the calories I had potentially burned by virtue of eating charcoal sourdough we had a mimosa to top off the breakfast which was refreshing and the perfect way to end the meal.
The service was quick, attentive, and friendly and if I hadn’t had plans I would’ve stayed for another mimosa.
The Details
Heads + Tails, 175 West End Lane, West Hampstead, London, NW6 2LH, England.
Tel: +44 (0)7926 968 335
Website: www.headsandtails.bar
Email: info@headsandtails.bar
Located a convenient two-minute walk from West Hampstead Overground. Heads + Tails is open Monday and Tuesday from 4:00pm to 1:00am; Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00pm to 2:00am; Friday from 4:00pm to 3:00am; Saturday from 10:00am to 3:00am and Sunday from 10:00am to 1:00am. A weekend brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 3:00pm.
Type of Bar: Neighbourhood Cocktail Bar
Price Band: Low to Medium
Insider Tip: Get the scrambled eggs!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9/10
Author Bio:
Maighna Nanu is a London based freelance journalist.
Photographs courtesy of Heads + Tails
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