PizzaExpress, a UK-based pizzeria, is adding iPod/iPhone docks into some of their seating areas as part of their “next-gen” restaurant upgrade.
PizzaExpress has started the roll out in their restaurant in Richmond, London. They call their new dining concept “Living Lab”, inviting the british public to try out all the new features before a full roll out nationwide.
Included in the line of the new features, are new ‘parabolic booths’, which are domes hung from the ceiling that deflect background noises, so not only can you enjoy a peaceful conversation, but you can play your iPod/iPhone music undisturbed, while not disturbing anyone else.
If your local restaurants wanted to implement iPod docks? Would you use them?
Reader comments
UK Pizzeria, PizzaExpress installing iPod/iPhone docks
mmmmm Nothing says bring in your ipod to a pizza joint and finding greasy finger prints and pepperoni and crust in the dock.
We just have wifi. Thats good enough.
Unfair to everyone that does not have an iPhone. What if someone wants to charge their droid?
I think it's a great idea for all kinds of restaurants and coffee shops to implement.
I would definitely make use of them.
I don't use iPod or iPhone docks at home and definitely would not use them at a restaurant - except possibly for a quick charge.
I would rather be spending my time sharing the meal in discussion and not changing song tracks, volume, etc on a music player - save that for the car ride home.
I smell iPhone STDs on the way. People should not run around sticking their unprotected iphones in docks that that are unfamiliar with.
I hope these parabolic domes work better than Control's "cones of silence."
It's great for a quick charge !
I think this is really cool, and thoughtful.. I work in retail, and ive had people ask could they charge their iphones while they shop, or if anyone had a charger they could use for a few minutes.. I would go there just to be able to play my own music!
Bring on the roll out I say! This sounds awesome!
yuck, it doesnt change the fact they sell lousy pizzas
Different iPhone models different dock adapters. But a nice gesture. Non iPhone users deal with it. Watch the pizza sauce getting into your port. Apple will not believe thaT one. Lol
Sounds like a good idea. I would definitely use it. But, what is up with that lady's face? It's creeping me out!
My iPhone's in a case that wouldn't fit in a dock. I'd love to just see some power outlets. The parabolic booths sound intriguing though, and since my former neighbours currently live in Richmond, I may have to go for a visit and check it out!
Are you kidding? This is greatness. Parabolic booths so you can dock your iphone and not disturb others? of course i would use that!
Wow, what ever next, ipod/iphone docks in public toilets.
I can see people charging their ipod/iphones and leaving after the meal , forgeting their prized gadget is still in the dock.
@CHunky, only a tween would do that.. I know where my phone is 24/7
Along with the dock they should have an app that you can order your food, request refills, etc. Integrating with the dock, the business would know where the table is.
What's with the Vin Diesel wannabe?
This could be the worst idea ever. I would hate to be sat in Pizza Express on a table next to some chav playing their crap. Almost as annoying as those chavs who play their music out loud walking down the street.
Apple now has Rhapsody as an app, which is a great start, but it is currently hampered by the inability to store locally on your iPod, and has a dismal 64kbps bit rate. If this changes, then it will somewhat negate this advantage for the Zune, but the 10 songs per month will still be a big plus in Zune Pass' favor.