by Alex Claridge

Noise levels in restaurants in Canterbury are a particular problem, according to a new study.

Hearbase Ltd, based at Canterbury’s Chaucer hospital, tested the city's Wagamama, Strada, Prezzo, McDonalds and Starbucks.

Fashionable noodle bar Wagamama was the loudest measuring 84.1dB, the equivalent of standing 50ft from a train travelling 40 miles per hour.

Mark Scutchings, managing director of Hearbase Ltd, said: "Normal conversation is between 50dB to 60dB and all restaurants tested were more than 10dB louder.

"Modern restaurant design dictates minimal furnishings, wood floors and floor-to-ceiling glass which means there is nothing to absorb noise.

"We may think a tablecloth and curtains is rather passé these days in a restaurant but they were useful sound absorbers."