Revealed: These 10 London restaurants have the best mobile signal
London boasts a thriving restaurant scene, and diners in the capital have a plethora of hotspots to choose from based on cuisine, location and price.
But as we become more and more reliant on our devices, it seems mobile connectivity has also become a key factor in where Londoners decide to eat.
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In fact, just under a fifth of people in the capital say their restaurant experience has been “ruined” by poor signal, according to new research from network benchmarking firm Global Wireless Solutions (GWS).
From Soho basements to City skyscrapers, the report shows that London’s gastro scene is plagued by signal not-spots.
Brasserie Zedel in Soho and Hawksmoor Seven Dials were named and shamed as the worst offenders for poor signal, while high-rise City favourites Duck & Waffle and Darwin Brasserie Sky Garden were also surprise entrants in the bottom 10.
Worst 10 restaurants for mobile signal
Rank | Restaurant | Postcode |
1 | Brasserie Zedel | W1F 7ED |
2 | Hawksmoor Seven Dials | WC2H 9JG |
3 | Flat Iron | WC2E 8QH |
4 | The Palomar | W1D 6DN |
5 | Aquavit | SW1Y 4QQ |
6 | Duck & Waffle | EC2N 4AY |
7 | Rum Kitchen | W11 1HH |
8 | Darwin Brasserie at Sky Garden | EC2M 8AF |
9 | Bocca di Lupo | W1D 7BB |
10 | Lina Stores | W1D 7BB |
For diners more concerned about phones than Pho, Chojo in Notting Hill and Fitzrovia’s Berners Tavern topped the list.
If you’re hoping to stay on top of your emails at a work lunch, Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings and Plate Restaurant, Bar & Bake are just a short hop from the City.
Best 10 restaurants for mobile signal
Rank | Restaurant | Postcode |
1 | Chojo | W2 4NH |
2 | Berners Tavern | W1T 3NP |
3 | Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings | EC1R 0HU |
4 | Knife Restaurant | SW4 7DE |
5 | Riding House Cafe | W1W 7PQ |
6 | Brasserie of Light | W1A 1AB |
7 | Casa do Frango | SE1 1TU |
8 | Plate Restaurant, Bar & Bake | EC1V 1JH |
9 | Arthur Hoopers | SE1 9AA |
10 | Farmacy | W2 5SH |
The most reliable networks were O2 and Vodafone but, when signal is poor, it appears restaurants will need to ensure their wifi is up to scratch, as almost a quarter of Londoners said they expect free wifi access as standard.
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“Even in London we are still seeing weak mobile network service in popular, central locations when indoors – including many restaurants that may be designed or promoted with Instagram or social media in mind,” said GWS chief executive Dr Paul Carter.
“Our survey shows that people actively use their phone when dining out, so if the network is slow and unreliable, and wifi is intermittent (or not working at all) then that doesn’t bode well for the hipster chic restaurants trying to make a name for themselves.”
Main image credit: GWS