London Munch - my second scene outing

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wonderer
Posted by wonderer on Sun 27 Jan 08, 8:52 AM

I had the opportunity to be in London for the London Munch on Friday, and better still to have the generous offer of a certain most glamorous dominant Woman, well known in these circles, to be introduced to some of the personalities.

My only other experience of a Munch was the Nottingham one described briefly in a previous weblog, so I'll make one or two comparisons.

In the old days London cab drivers used to have to learn "the knowledge" before they qualified. Our chap didn't even know how to spell "Fenchurch Street" to type into his Tom Tom. Even my Monopoly board knowledge of London was superior in this respect.

The Munch was held in a quite "normal" looking pub called the Elephant (unlike Nottingham where it is held in a fantastic Goth themed pub). The whole of the basement bar was reserved for a private party, namely the Munch, so there was an element of privacy though the bar staff were (I imagine) not kink aware. There were several Meeters and Greeters on the door, encouraging people to wear a sticky label with their name (or IC nom de plume), presided over by the incomparable Mistress Goth, corseted, curvy and tattooed.

This is a large Munch – hard to estimate but certainly well over 100. There was much less uniformity of dress than in Nottingham where there had been a preponderance of people in collars, leather gear embellished with chains and studs and more zips than strictly necessary and certain other types of “dressing up” gear. Here in London most people had made an effort (though some had come straight from work) but there was a wider variety of styles. Hat wearing for men seems to be in fashion. (I was brought up to believe that men didn't wear hats indoors). All manner of hats. Bizarrely, in London the cloth cap seems to be a fashion item rather than an outmoded thing associated with pigeon fanciers and whippet owners. The best hat of all was of course that worn by The Marquise who looked even more stunning and glamorous in real life than in her profile photos. There was also a gentleman dressed rather like a Victorian magician, wearing a top hat, red bow tie and black cloak. And of course there were leather wearers and Goths and fetish dressers and normally dressed people and some all manner of other attire – causal and formal. (I don't have any “gear” so I went in a nice charcoal suit, dress shirt, an understated silvery grey bow tie and with a pinky purple calla lily in my lapel. I was fine.) The basement is quite crowded and of necessity noisy but one can get around and can hold down a conversation. The labels are a helpful conversation starter, especially if you know someone from IC. Most of those there were on IC.

I did a slight double take on seeing Romola's name badge as I'd always subconsciously assumed her primary profile picture was herself. As a newcomer to the scene, a Wonderer whose spent time on IC but with no significant real life experience, I found this a pretty easy event in which to mingle. Helped hugely of course by having someone to introduce me to people. Had fascinating conversations with quite a few people; not always on kink or scene related topics; got into a fascinating conversation about anarchism with a cloth cap wearing gentleman for instance, and a brief one about theatre.

There were more men than women (though not dramatically more) and my conversations were likewise. But I did also get to talk with the aforementioned Marquise, and was also introduced to the diminutive, delectable and delightfully kinky Ms Tytania who later “borrowed” the The Marquise's sub, Clyde, to massage her feet. Was good to say hello to Proccie in real life – another of those fascinating characters on IC who it would have been nice to talk to in for longer. But at least now I can put a face to his name. And to get to know Clyde a little. Was delightfully approached by a young woman who had read my weblogs and wanted so say hello. However this isn't a catalogue of everyone I met.

I guess this sort of event is best for those who go regularly and are part of the “London scene”. It was very inclusive and well worth visiting for me, even as a one off. I imagine the regulars get far more out of it when starting conversations not always from scratch. I was very glad to have been there. Thanks to Ms Goth and all who made it possible.

Edited Sun 27 Jan 08, 9:11 AM by wonderer


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