Twelve Eatery in Bournemouth back to seven-days-a-week trade

Twelve Eatery in The Triangle, Bournemouth, is celebrating a turnaround in fortune and the prospect of a strong Christmas season just two months after a worrying slash in business forced chance.

As reported in September, the plant-based restaurant announced it would close for two days a week and change its opening hours amid staffing issues and rising costs.

A drop in business was also reported by restaurant co-founder Dalton Mello, who felt the cost-of-living crisis meant customers were less inclined to eat out.

“We were extremely quiet and hospitality in general was down,” he told the Echo.

Twelve Eatery founders Dalton Mello and Greg Rush

“What we experienced was fear of the unknown. As prices went up a lot of our guests who would come every week stopped. I think people took a step back until they were sure what would happen.”

Taking a step back was what Dalton decided to do in order to save his business. Trading days and hours were reduced and the Twelve Eatery team met to discuss what could be done.

“We understand that we are very niche, which is especially challenging in the current climate,” he said.

“So we decided to make a plan for November onwards. We wanted to be here next year and knew it was possible, but we just needed a positive approach.”

The team came up with several new concepts to get diners back in the eatery. This included a vegan Sunday roast offering and a new affordable lunch menu called Twelve at Twelve – offering five main dishes each at £12 with a hot drink.

Picture: Twelve Eatery/Laura Bailey

The results “amazed” Dalton. He said: “Every lunchtime since we have been non-stop busy which is just incredible. On our first Sunday roast day, I’ve never seen the place like it. The fresh thinking paid off.

“It’s really hard as a business owner to take a step back like we did because there’s an element of pride involved. But I think it was the best decision I’ve made in the four years of running Twelve.

“It allowed us to stop, calm down, gather our forces and set ideas. It was very refreshing and organic. From that we have flourished.”

The return to full seven-day trading was hailed by customers, one of whom said: “Hurrah for all of us. Thank you Twelve for bringing the best plant-based deliciousness to the world.”