Back in the day, vegans had seriously limited choices when it came to dining out (an undressed salad does not a dinner make). 

Now, though, things are very different: more and more restaurants and high-street chains are opening up their menus for those on a plant-based diet. And now, for the first time ever, a vegan business has been voted #1 on TripAdvisor.

That’s right: Twelve Eatery – located in the seaside town of Bournemouth on the South Coast – has won fans over with its organic cocktails, vibrant juices and glorious plant-based food. How does a Full English Breakfast – made from scrambled tofu, mushrooms, spinach, tomato, hash browns, beans and sourdough toast – tickle your fancy? Or beer battered tofu and chips, served with a dash of pea puree and tartare sauce? Or a pulled jackfruit and black bean burrito? Or a delicious lemon drop martini?

Thought so.

“We are the only organic plant-based restaurant in Dorset and the UK’s first Organic Bar to make cocktails with fresh cold-pressed juices,” explain Dalton Mello and Greg Rush, who ditched their London life to open the Bournemouth restaurant.

“There are no obvious vegan cues and most of our guests don’t even make the connection that the menus is plant-based, for us it’s all about organic and sustainability!”

As if the cruelty-free menu wasn’t enough, Twelve has also ensured the restaurant is a single-use plastic free establishment – and they aim to become a zero-waste restaurant in the coming years. The eatery is in the process of setting up an allotment where they will grow produce from their own food compost, and are, overall, proving to be a breath of fresh air.

No wonder, then, that they have secured so many 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor.

“Having been vegan for three years and have travelled a fair bit, this is without doubt the best [vegan food] based on what I had,” said one reviewer, who revealed they opted for the restaurant’s vegan burger. “Thank you thank you!”

Another raved: “The best restaurant my partner and I have ever visited. Period. The quality of the food is top notch and the menu itself has a great variety of choice. What’s even more incredible is everything is very modestly priced. The service is excellent and the decor is a delightful mix of cosy, modern and ambient. I couldn’t say a bad word about this place even if I wanted to (and by the way, I’m not even vegan).”

And still one more said: “Literally cannot think of a negative to the place, you can tell a lot of thought went into the menu and a lot of love in the food.

They added that it was “the best food” they’ve ever had, and added that their mind had been well and truly blown (“BOOM”) when they learned everything they’d sampled that day had been both vegan and organic.

“Thanks very much guys,” they added. “Can’t recommend enough.”

All in all, it sounds like vegans and non-vegans alike should be sure to swing by Twelve the next time they’re in Bournemouth. Or, just maybe, book a trip to Bournemouth solely to sample the deliciousness for themselves?

Either way, we’ll see you there. We’ve got our eye on that cashew, coconut and tofu carbonara, personally…

Image: Getty