Mad Cucumber, Bournemouth; a mad vegan's review.

Mad Cucumber Vegan Lounge (let me start by saying I love the use of the term 'lounge') was Bournemouth’s first fully vegan café, and has been serving up plant-based goodness since 2013. Here's some of its lore, served up fresh from the website:

Founded by Polish duo Kamil and Ewelina, it quickly became the locals' and visitors' cosy go-to for hearty brunches, fresh juices, and indulgent vegan cakes - all made from scratch with local, organic ingredients.

In 2023, the café got a new lease of life when long-time manager Federica Sindici and chef Marcello Iori took over. The new Italian-inspired touches (excuse me, but a vegan carbonara?!) blend beautifully with the café’s original charm. Now offering grab-and-go bites, private catering, and celebration cakes, Mad Cucumber continues to be a relaxed, quirky haven for vegans, vegetarians and curious foodies alike. 

Apologies for the soft corn.

The website boasts that everything is made with ingredients sourced as nearby as possible, and I was thrilled to see on my most recent visit that they stock and serve Bad Hand Coffee, my favourite blend in Bournemouth. (VERY close behind them is Riptide, fyi)

So yes, I've been twice myself; once in January with my dearest Poppy after a weekend girlie jaunt to Poole Quay, and most recently with friends who happen to be colleagues. I can confirm, it's a very cute place to get brunch, lunch, and anything in between or beyond. Would recommend sitting in the booth by the door you have to step up-and-into for the sweetest friendly catch-ups and debriefs after a weekend by the sea; complemented perfectly with a tofu satay salad concoction covered in soft spring onions, an old faithful fresh sarnie with crunchy veggies, with a side of mac 'n' cheeze and a 'milk' shake because? Why on earth not? 

The table just adjacent to it and slightly further back is a good one for Safe Space chats and maybe a few tentative tears. Best shared quietly (until the ranting bubbles over) with a supremely sugary berry jam croissant each, cut into quarters. Hovering sugar-addicted insect not part of the deal, but easy to catch and release out the front door, which will earn you some respectful nods from your fellow vegans - bonus! 

Who wants to come with me next time? I have a wicked curiosity about the Posh Squash. Does it get along with the Mad Cucumbers, or are they gearing up for a satay skirmish?! 

Checkout counter validation is always appreciated.

Thanks for reading,

G. x