The iconic "free hugs" bear that was stolen from Cornucopia has been returned to the city centre restaurant in a Christmas miracle.
Staff at the Wicklow Street vegan eatery were disheartened after the polar bear, who had been giving out free hugs for years, was taken by a "hooded man" last week. Manager and co-owner, Dairine McCafferty told Dublin Live they received a call from a family saying they had bought the bear from a market in town for €40.
She said: "They wanted to return the bear and get their €40 back. I was in talks with them about whether or not to go down to their house. One of the girls brought him back, so we gave her a bottle of prosecco and her cash. She was really happy. We’re just happy to get the bear back."
