The Bunyadi: London’s only naked restaurant receives first reviews ahead of public opening

'The idea is to experience pure liberation'

'I think the whole experience really hit the nail on the head, both for food and for what it stood for' (The Bunyadi)

London’s only naked restaurant has received its first reviews as diners experienced the all-natural, “Pangaea-like” eatery ahead of its public opening this month.

The Bunyadi, is the first restaurant in the capital offering an entirely natural dining experience, operating without electricity and gas, serving food on handmade clay plates with edible cutlery and asking diners to cast off their mobile phones and even their clothes, if they want to.

Upon entering The Bunyadi guests are taken to a private room where they may change into a gown, which they can wear or remove during the meal. There is also a “clothes” section for those who wish to remain dressed while dining.

Customers will be served vegan and non-vegan dished accompanied by organic, preserve-free wine under “a canopy of candle lights”, with the wood-hewn tables and chairs discreetly partitioned with bamboo and wicker screens.

Already boasting a waiting list of 44,200 people, The Bunyadi is set to open up to the public on 11 June at an undisclosed venue and the first diners, invited as part of its “soft opening”, have given overwhelmingly positive reviews.

Kashan Kafoor, wrote on the restaurant’s Facebook page: “I felt welcome as soon as I stepped into the unmarked building. Along with the (optional) nudity and raw foods comes the ban of devices, I definitely felt more engaged with my company and our waitress - a rule I'd like to see more restaurants adopt. I have never had a more comfortable dining experience.

Lizzie West said: “I think the whole experience really hit the nail on the head, both for food and for what it stood for. I felt so relaxed, comfortable, free! It 'just worked'. As someone who has to constantly be on my phone for work - not having anything on me was wonderful - my partner and I talked, laughed and genuinely connected in a very natural way.”

James Hayes: “The bamboo partitioning kept it very private. Even if you weren't sure about it at the first, once you are in the dining area, you will want to feel natural and de-robe. Life changing experience and an amazing menu.”

The brainchild behind the restaurant is Lollipop, the creators of the ABQ Breaking Bad inspired cocktail bar. Lollipop’s founder Seb Lyall said: “The idea is to experience pure liberation".

The Bunyadi floor plan (The Bunyadi)

“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.

“We have worked very hard to design a space where everything patrons interact with is bare and naked.”

We're heading down there tonight, with a full review to follow.

The Bunyadi will be open for three months and seats 42 guests. A five course vegan and non-vegan menu costs £69.