THE pop-up restaurant that launched in London this summer inviting diners to disrobe and eat in the buff is set to close up early and head across the Channel to Paris.
In an interview with Country & Town House, founder Seb Lyall said he's decided to close up shop a month ahead of schedule in order to begin preparations for the move to France.
Called The Bunyadi, the pop-up opened in late May and made headlines around the world, attracting more than 46,000 people to their wait list.
Lyall said the decision to uproot ahead of schedule and move to Paris comes following high interest from the French, as well as an unusually hot summer in London that posed problematic for the air conditioning-less venue.
Like the original concept, the Paris pop-up will center on a back-to-basics, naturalist ethos: Cell phones are banned and the menu is organic, prepared without the use of electricity or gas.
Decor is likewise au naturel, with bamboo, wicker and wood furnishings.
Diners tuck into raw dishes like pickled rhubarb-infused steak tartare and feta watermelon sorbet in candlelight. The restaurant offers both a vegan and non-vegan option.
‘Bunyadi' is a Hindi word meaning “fundamental,” “base” and “natural.”
The Paris outpost will feature a different menu, but preserve the overall “Pangea-like” atmosphere.
In the interview, Lyall said his team is currently scouting three possible locations for the Paris pop-up.
‘It's really positive and I'm excited to be going to Paris,” he told Country & Town House.
“We'll be taking our team there and finding a venue...People came over from Paris, people in the industry, and said, ‘we'd love you to open over here.'”
The move to Paris, however, doesn't spell the end for Londoners. Lyall revealed a larger vision for Bunyadi that includes the launch of the city's first naked private members' club, where naturists in London can get naked with like-minded folks.
Lyall is the brainchild behind the owl bar and “Breaking Bad”-themed cocktail bar which likewise generated widespread interest.
The Bunyadi will serve their final London meals this weekend. Lyall hopes to open the Paris outpost in September for a two-month run.
AFP RELAXNEWS
Thu Jul 28 2016
Opened in late May, The Bunyadi made headlines around the world, attracting more than 46,000 people to their wait list.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.