The Bunyadi: London Naked Restaurant Pop Up

UPDATE: The Bunyadi is closing its doors on 31st July to tour the rest of Europe, though it may return as a members club in a new London venue. There are still some place available for this weekend here.

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The Bunyadi, London’s first naked restaurant pop up, has faced derision but they're not worried about getting bums on seats.

At the time of writing, 43,650 people are now on the waiting list – and counting. The Bunyadi opening date is 11 June in Elephant and Castle.

Founder Seb Lyall says, “I think it will appeal to vegans and naturists from all over the UK. It won’t be a first date venue but certainly second dates and dinner with friends.”

Scoff at the idea, but if anyone knows how to make a bonkers concept into a lucrative success it's Lyall: he's the founder of hugely successful pop up ABQ, the Breaking Bad bar in Shoreditch, which encouraged thousands to make cocktails in the back of a meth lab.

So is there meth-od in the madness with this new venture? Clientele can choose to be naked or wear the robe provided. Either way, clothes will be left in a locker upon arrival. Staff will be practical degrees of nudity. Nothing will be processed, life will be stripped to its bare essentials: phones and cameras are banned (be grateful at least that you're spare naked selfies), the food is cooked over a fire, the chairs are hand-whittled. Some modesty is saved with bamboo screens surrounding each table.

Grilled meats and vegan options are on offer in a five course vegan or non-vegan tasting menu. Plates are rustic clay and the cutlery is edible. Expect the likes of goji berries and cauliflower rice.

Our verdict? One of our editors admits she's on the waiting list. Others aren’t so sure. Remember that restaurant in the total darkness? It’s called Dans le Noir London and you eat your meal in the pitch black. Maybe the two projects should join forces.

But whether or not you can stomach it, 43,650 people are already keen to get their kit off in the name of culinary experience. Sign up here to join then and be notified when tickets go on sale.