Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The restaurant that's banned mobile phones

The restaurant is more than happy for people to take pictures but is against people texting, tweeting or talking on the phone

Saturday 16 January 2016 12:45 EST
Comments
The sign on the door of the restaurant
The sign on the door of the restaurant (Shehab Khan)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A restaurant in Leamington Spa has banned its customers from using mobile phones while dining.

Japanese deli Auradaze has a placed a sign on the door of the 9ft by 9ft restaurant alerting customers of the no phone rule.

Darren Yates, owner and head chef told The Independent: “The psychology behind it is that for two hours when having a meal and breaking bread, the focus should be on conversation.

“Meal time is the most important time for a family to get together and chat about how their day has been and not be on your phone.”

Mr Yates added that if there is a legitimate reason to have your phone out, he doesn’t mind.

“We have Air Ambulance people and surgeons who are on call eat here, they just have their phone on silent and they don’t have a problem with it,” he told The Independent.

The chef, who lived in Japan for years while receiving his training, said the culture in Britain is very different compared to that of Asia and phones being banned in Japanese restaurants is an accepted norm.

He did however say, he is more than happy for people to take pictures on their phones but is completely against people texting, tweeting or talking on the phone while in his restaurant.

The ban hasn’t effected business according to Mr Yates. He says that anyone who doesn't like the ban is welcome to leave and many have chosen to do just that.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in