BOURNEMOUTH’S very own Twelve Eatery has been named as the fifth best vegan restaurant in the world - and second in the UK - by TripAdvisor. 

The 2021 Travellers’ Choice Awards have named Twelve Eatery, in The Triangle, as one of the best vegan spots in the world. 

Founders, Dalton Mello and Greg Rush first opened Twelve in 2018 and said they knew they would be a success but never expected the global recognition they've received.

"It's completely overwhelming and it's not quite sunk in yet.

"Being named as one of the best in the world is just incredible and we are so proud," said Greg.

The restaurant is a must-try for any foodie - centred around exciting and experimental dishes that are a treat for your senses. The restaurateurs focus the menu around nutrition and although all of the food is vegan, it's about more than just that.

Dalton said: "Our chefs take several weeks to perfect a dish and once they do it's like 'wow' look what we've created and that's so special.

"We don't want to segregate people, if we had vegan slogans and things all over our walls that would not be an inviting atmosphere for a meat eater.

"We want to provide the best experience for our diners, making them feel as comfortable as possible.

The pair moved to Bournemouth to set-up the restaurant in 2018 and have fallen in love with the town and its community.

Dalton said: "We really struggled over lockdown and it was the community that were calling and emailing us telling us we had to open.

"They've been so welcoming and we couldn't imagine being anywhere else - we love it here, it's our home now."

Looking toward the future they are hoping to expand their offerings and premises across their beloved Dorset, with a cafe lounge and cocktail bar.

"We really see a great potential here in Bournemouth, there's no where else like it in the UK and it's a great fit for us.

"We've had messages from our customers saying they'd like to see us open something new in Sandbanks or Southbourne so we'll have to watch this space," Dalton said.

The restaurant are already feeling the shockwaves of the announcement and are fully-booked for the upcoming weeks.

The best vegan restaurant award-winners in the UK:

1. Cosmic Kitchen, Plymouth

2. Twelve Eatery, Bournemouth

3. Offbeet New Forest, Southampton

4. Indigo Greens, Liverpool

5. Tansy's Pantry, Godshill