Munches are a group of people meeting up in a public place, usually a pub. Sometimes, as in York’s situation, this is a private room, away from the ears of the public.

Can anyone attend?
Most munches are open to anyone who has an interest in the scene. If you’re not sure, ask the organisers who will be happy to clarify for you.

How do people dress?
Different venues have different dress codes, but most are vanilla. Bear in mind that they are usually held in a pub that any member of the public has access to. Where a private room is used the dress code may well include fetish, feel free to ask the organisers.

What happens?
Basically, a munch is where people within the lifestyle can meet other like-minded folk and chat. It is normally an informal meeting and chat is as likely to be about football and shopping as whips and floggers! Lifestyle subjects are normally discussed quietly and discretely as a mark of respect for ther people.

What if I’m shy about attending alone?
That’s no problem at all. Most munches have a meet and greet policy, where an organiser will meet you outside and introduce you to the other people there. It doesn’t matter if you are male, female, sub or dom, feel free to ask for someone to meet you if you would like them to.

Will there be any sexual activity?
No. At least it is highly unlikely! Remember this is a public place, so behaviour will be as expected from any group attending and normal laws and rules re: decency will apply.

What do I have to do?
If you are attending a munch, you are most likely doing so in order to meet other people in the lifestyle, so just sit and chat.

Are newbies accepted?
Absolutely! We were all new once and most people will be keen to help someone who is new.

Is there a cost involved?

Other than for drinks and possibly food, it is unlikely that you will need to pay for anything. As most munches are in pubs, and pubs tend not to charge entrance fees, then it is just like popping down to your local.

How do I find when and where the nearest munch is?
Asking in the chat rooms or people who live in your area is a good way or check out the events section in the community. Also try www.informedconsent.co.uk, that is a good site for finding info on munches and other lifestyle events across the UK.

A note about safety
Remember that this is just like meeting people in a pub under any other circumstance, so don’t do anything you wouldn’t normally. That includes giving people your full name, address, phone number etc. If people want to contact you again, then email is a good first step.
The organisers will want to do what they can to keep the event safe and happy, but the responsibility for your safety remains with you.

Jay