Bournemouth’s Mad Cucumber is Trader of the Week

Mad Cucumber, based in the Triangle, has been bringing vegan dishes to the town for over 10 years and is Daily Echo’s Trader of the Week.

Federica Sindici and Marcello Iori took over the restaurant in April 2023 after the owners revealed they would be selling up.

“I was working for the previous couple since 2021 in waitressing, then became manager,” said Federica.

“In October 2022 they told me they wanted to sell and focus on their family. It was a bit of a shock.”

Federica thought it would be a shame to see the thriving restaurant change hands, so decided to take over the business herself.

“I’ve worked in hospitality for over ten years and as soon as I came in I thought what a nice vibe and atmosphere the place had, and knew I wanted to work here.”

Marcello used to work in the Mad Cucumber before the pandemic but met his business partner when he returned for some vegan cakes.

“He used to come here for cakes and chocolate, and I could tell that he was also Italian, so we became friends," said Federica. 

“He was working as a chef in a non-vegan place at the time, so when the opportunity came I went to him.”

Tucked away in the Triangle, Federica said the restaurant is some times missed by locals and wants people to know they are there.

She added that the restaurant is for everyone, and that many dishes are vegan ‘without you even knowing’.

Since taking over, the pair have been working on advancing the menu but said some items are fan favourites and cannot be touched.

However, they have introduced a new vegan carbonara as a nod to their Italian heritage.

The restaurant also serves made to order celebration cakes, milkshakes, hot drinks, breakfast and lunch.

“We’re trying to expand a bit to cater for private parties and dinners,” said Federica.

“We’re also looking to sell ‘grab and go’ items for the summer, so that customers can eat outside without having to wait for a table when it’s busy.”

She added that taking over the restaurant has been a success with returning customers knowing staff members by name.

Let us know your favourite businesses that should be featured as our Trader of the Week by emailing newsdesk@bournemouthecho.co.uk.