Fire ravaged pub says it is set to return with virtual reality games

( Picture: London Fire Brigade)

The Aeronaut pub in Acton which was destroyed by fire on New Year’s Eve 2017 is set to reopen less than a year later with relaunch currently scheduled for ‘late autumn’.

The owners say they are on course to welcome in 2018 with a completely refurbished interior and what is described as UK’s first pub-based combined immersive and virtual reality games set up.

The Aeronaut was popular for its exotic circus and cabaret shows and its carnivalesque gardens and the Laine Pub Company are hoping that loyal customers will return as well as new ones.

"We promised that the show would go on" says Dene Stevenson, the Aeronaut's General Manager "and we are overjoyed that work is continuing a pace to rebuild and replace all that was damaged in the fire.

"The pub's 'Big Top' room will once again host the hair-raising aerial shows that have attracted circus goers and cabaret fans week in and week out from across the Capital and beyond.”

A new seating design aims to give better views of the acts.

Laine Pub Company say they have pioneered virtual reality and immersive gaming in pubs such as the Four Thieves in Battersea and the People’s Park in Hackney, and plan to go make the new Aeronaut the UK’s first pub based mixed gaming environment.

"We were touched by the outpouring of grief and by the messages of support from the Acton community when the pub closed on New Year's Day" says Dene Stevenson, "So for the people of Acton and in celebration of the memory of local airman - George Temple - upon whose pioneering spirit the pub is based, we are proud to announce that the Aeronaut is rising again, and this time the ride will more thrilling than ever".

August 23rd 2017