I commented on a previous thread on this exact situation some months back whilst the redevelopment was happening...it was a fiasco then with no seating etc. - as suspected BAA for go passenger comfort for yet more shops...
However worthwhile to know about the 'quiet seating area' if we have to travel thru' this sh!t hole of a terminal which has nothing good about it either on departure or arrival!
With a few exceptions every 6-12 months or so at both LGW and LHR the retail tenants seem to change (not referring to the big Duty Free outlets and Dixons, Sock Shop etc.)...is this a sign that the BAA rents are too high to support the outlets...unless the retailer is prepared to run as a prestigious loss leader...you only have to watch the lack of sales over a two hour period at these places selling £500 handbags etc.