COASTROAD Hearth & Patio Since no one else is picking up the gauntlet, I'm going to venture yes, I do believe that is what the British refer to as an "electric fire". It is too small to be anything else, at least anything else that is legal in London.
Sure, the seating should foster conversation. But what if you really want to take a nap while still being close to the action? In this case, placing a comfortable recliner just outside the room's center would work.