‘Social barriers seem to disappear once you remove your clothes’ Dine Naked Bristol founder explains creation

For many, the idea of stripping off in front of a group of strangers before spending the evening eating a three-course meal together is their worst nightmare.

For Will Bryson, in 2018, it was the idea for his latest venture as a naturist. Will founded Dine Naked Bristol, a movement which allow strangers to enjoy good food with no clothes for an evening.

After moving to Bristol in 2013, Will found out about the city’s annual naked bike ride and decided to take part. It became a life-changing experience, leading him to eventually attend a naked dinner party at a friend’s house enjoying pizza and music.

“I was filled with anxiety before arriving. I thought ‘am I actually going to do this?’ but within minutes my concerns were gone. Social barriers seem to disappear once you realise everyone there is comfortable, there is no sexual element and people are just having a nice evening together, naked.

“I enjoyed myself so much I wondered if there was anything out there that offered a similar evening but for people to meet others they might not have been able to before. Bristol seemed the perfect place for this as it’s diverse, quirky, and has plenty of great venues willing to host the evenings.”

In February 2018, Dine Naked Bristol hosted its first dinner party at the Flour and Ash restaurant. It has grown in popularity with more venues welcoming the group.

“There are a few misconceptions, the main one being that this is a sexual event, it isn’t and those expecting that will be turned away. Also, people, including myself originally, have this idea that only older, white men take part in these things but we always see a range of ages and both men and women - though it is primarily men.

“It actually helps calm nerves, I feel. Seeing different bodies than your own and those on TV and in magazines. It is empowering.”

The Covid pandemic put the sessions on hold before 27 people attended an event last month at the Replay Bristol Board Game Bar, on Cheltenham Road.

Another meal has been scheduled for the Scrandit, on Christmas Steps, on November 17 with space for 20 naked guests. Tickets for this meal will be available soon via the group’s website.

Will added: “For anyone on the fence, there are ways to ease into this sort of thing, such as skinny dipping. It is much easier to do that than take your clothes off in front of a room full of strangers but once you are in the venue you will realise people are not gawking at each other’s bodies, the curtains are closed and everyone is getting along.

“The worst that can happen is you enjoy a wonder three-course meal and decide once is enough for you. Our website has a frequently asked questions page with plenty of information for newcomers and an email for any other questions people might have.”

For more information visit https://medium.com/@dinenaked/faqs-for-diners-7a98984f3798