Pub-goers who shocked diners by walking into restaurant naked respond to online backlash
A couple of naturists - who walked into a pub without any clothes on - say they are 'deeply saddened' by the online backlash.
Neil Cox, 34, and Danielle Quiggin, 35, have been naturists for more than 10 and five years respectively, and decided to go for a pint and a burger at the Railway in Burnham-on-Sea last Friday (2 June).
The naked duo - who are not a couple - claim that staff were very friendly on the day and faced no problems whatsoever.
But after they discovered some negativity online, the two nudists have responded to the backlash.
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One Tripadvisor post claimed staff should have refused to serve them, while another said they were 'outraged' by the nakedness.
Neil, a finance worker from Cheshire, said: "I've made over 500 visits to shops, bars and other businesses whilst naked.
"And as far as I'm aware not one of those visits has ever resulted in a single negative review.
"Danielle and I find it deeply saddening that in 2023 an individual has attacked a small business that is trying to demonstrate acceptance and tolerance.
"The reaction in the pub when we arrived was initially one of surprise but quickly moved to quiet acceptance.
"After all, two naked people sitting in a corner of a pub having a beer and burger quickly becoming boring.
"Several people came over to us whilst we were there to have a chat and ask questions or request a photo.
"We weren't aware of anyone leaving the pub and there were no angry or upset comments directed at us.
"We felt welcome and comfortable in the Railway and would like to say thank you to the its owners, staff and customers for accepting us."
The law in the UK is that nudity itself is not criminal, unless there is a sexual context or intent to cause alarm.
Danielle, a healthcare worker, originally from Australia who is living in London, said: "That was the first time we've gone into that pub - but that was also the first time we gathered that sort of backlash and seeing the Facebook reactions blow up.
"More than 90% of the time, in person and online, it's curiosity. It's more shock I think that anything, but you talk to people and most seem to get it."
Danielle added: "I'm proud to be continually exploring this and proud of myself for persevering.
"I think I would see a change in my mental health If I stopped.
"More and more as I reflect on it, I find it's really beneficial for my mental health.
"It's increased my body positivity and the confidence I feel in my body.
"It's really helped to develop a positive connection with my body.
"I'm less worried how I appear when I'm naked that when I'm wearing clothes.
"You don't think about you look, and the less time you spent thinking about that, the less time you spent worrying overall."
Topics: UK News, Social Media
Anish Vij