"Who wants to do Naked Dining?"

You can understand why nobody in the newsroom volunteered for this particular review, resulting in me taking it on. The concept of dining naked, or naturism at all, is something that most people are accepting of while not necessarily wishing to take part.

This was the first time I've been to an event of this nature and it's fair to say I approached it with a little apprehension and uncertainty. Still, on Tuesday night, I went to Greenbank in Easton and stripped off in front of a room of complete strangers. Here's what happened.

What happens?

It's exactly how it sounds. You turn up dressed, make your way upstairs, undress either in front of everyone or in private and then sit at a long table with some complete strangers.

(Image: Google Street View)

It occurred to me quite late in the day that I was likely to be the only person doing this without a dining partner. With that in mind, the social environment of the whole thing was a relief.

The food side of things is fairly standard procedure. You pre-order your food with your ticket, it arrives, you eat it. Everyone asks everyone how their food is despite everyone having ordered one of three dishes. You sit on a towel. You order drinks at the bar from a member of staff who is wearing clothes.

How did you feel about being naked?

There were only two times in the entire event that I felt uncomfortable. When I arrived, dressed and when I left, also dressed (thankfully).

The idea of being naked around people is somewhat alien, but once that had happened it didn't feel unnatural and I didn't feel uncomfortable. I can see how someone with poor self-image would benefit from an experience like this.

(Image: Luke Beardsworth)

For me, it was just like any meal, but with strangers and ultimately I didn't see the point.

Did you get an erection?

No, but my drink on arrival was pretty stiff.

Was anybody uncomfortable?

Most of the people here were seasoned naturists. Some had done the naked bike ride, while some had been to the previous Naked Dining event at Flour and Ash.

If anything, the only thing that made people uncomfortable was the knowledge that there was a journalist in their midst.

How was the gender ratio?

I didn't do a head count of the people there, but I would give a generous estimate of one female for every five males.

How was the food?

I had smoked haddock fishcakes, creamed leeks and a poached egg.

It came well-presented, well-prepared and it was a substantial portion. I'd happily pay £10 to eat it again.

(Image: Luke Beardsworth)

It was simple and fairly unambitious but given it was a set menu for a group of people who arguably saw the food as secondary that was inevitable.

I'll probably go back at some point and see what else they have to offer.

Did you enjoy it?

Doing things for the first time is always interesting. The people sat around me were lovely and welcoming throughout. This could have been a very different experience for me if that had not been the case.

Being naked is something that I neither enjoy nor dislike. It was quickly forgotten between the conversation and food. Even getting up to head to the bar, when you are most exposed, wasn't an issue.

Would you do it again?

I wouldn't be against doing it again. If someone I knew wanted to try it and needed someone to go along I'd happily be that person.

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My own impression of the experience is that it was interesting but I didn't really see what I got from it personally.

I didn't feel exposed, which came a surprise, but I didn't feel particularly liberated either. The food and company were both enjoyable but I don't necessarily understand what was gained by doing it with my swingers on display.