The founder of Lollipop, the company behind Shoreditch's hugely popular Breaking Bad themed cocktail bar ABQ, has announced that he will be opening a pop up restaurant this summer where - wait for it - clothing is optional.
The Bunyadi, a Hindi word meaning 'fundamental', 'base' or ‘natural', is set to open for three months from June 2016, with tickets available to would-be diners on a first-come first-serve basis.
It seems as though people can’t wait to take their clothes off and dine at London’s first nudist restaurant: there is already a waiting list boasting more than 26,000 names.
“We believe people should get the chance to enjoy and experience a night out without any impurities: no chemicals, no artificial colours, no electricity, no gas, no phone and even no clothes if they wish to. The idea is to experience true liberation,” explains Lyall.
The Bunyadi wants to take diners to a beginning where everything was fresh, free and unadulterated from the trappings of modern life and, as such, plans to use only the most natural, home-grown ingredients to envelope its patrons in a Pangea-like world, free from phones, electric lights and yes.. clothing.
Don’t fancy dining au naturel? The 42-seat restaurant is designed so that there are two distinct areas - “pure and clothed” - separated with a bamboo partition.
Regardless of which section you opt to sit in, expect to enjoy wood-flame grilled meals served on handmade clay crockery and edible cutlery, under a canopy of candle lights, creatively partitioned with bamboo and wicker, while reclining on wood-hewn furniture.
“We have worked very hard to design a space where everything patrons interact with is bare and naked,” explains Lyon. “The use of natural bamboo partitions and candlelight has enabled to us to make the restaurant discreet, whilst adhering to the ethos behind it. No doubt, this has been the most challenging project for us yet, which makes us very excited about it.”
On the fence about feasting in the nude? Here’s some food for thought: at least there’s no chance of spilling wine on your shirt or skirt.
NEED TO KNOW
Opening: June 2016.
Duration: Three-month. Tickets will be released on first come first served basis.
Cuisine: Options of vegan and a non-vegan tasting menu cooked on wood fire.
Dress code: Gowns, changing rooms and lockers provided.
Rules: No photography allowed.
