Can I really not take my phone with me? My interview is tomorrow, and I'm travelling from Berkshire leaving our two under-five year olds with my mum, I really don't want to be completely out of contact with them while I'm in London. I don't mind not having it while I'm in the embassy but before and after is another matter. What happens if you do take one with you, I assume security does something with it?

As far as I am aware you can take it with you to the embassy and they just put it in a clear plastic bag, give you a ticket and return it to you when you leave... of course I haven't been yet so I may not have it exactly right?

Yes, that is correct, I saw plenty of people in the queue at the Embassy doing exactly that.

I decided to do the touristy thing and booked a hotel for an extra day so I could explore London after my appointment though so left my phone in the hotel... it seemed the longest walk ever walking back to the hotel so I could grab my phone and let people know I was approved!!

Ahh maybe it was you I saw with the cheap hotel room?!!? I keep forgetting to check and then when I remember I can't find it

Yep, it most possibly was , I did respond to your question though in the interview thread though, (rather than PM you).

I stayed at The Orchard Hotel : www.orchardhotel.co.uk (the website is ancient, but the hotel was clean and friendly, I did make fun of their website with the manager while I was there who has promised it would be updated soon ).

they don't make any fuss about small electronic items (though I'm sure they're glad when you bring a minimum of them ); as you say, just put them in the plastic bag and leave them in the security shed... as I noted in my review though, they're VERY strict about larger items, so don't bring your laptop