Pub regular recreates favourite Brockley local in virtual reality

Tristan Cross, 28, spent two-and-a-half weeks building a 3D version of Skehans in painstaking detail, bringing the boozer's blueprints to life.

Intent on recapturing the full experience, he even added in motion-captured versions of his friends, recording them enjoying a Zoom chat over a few pints.

The pub on Street View vs Tristan's version (Tristan Cross/Wired)

Mr Cross, a freelance writer living in Deptford, said: "I'd idly wanted to learn 3D archviz for a while, and suddenly having a significant amount of free time due to coronavirus meant I had the opportunity.

"Why Skehans? I miss it, simply put. I miss all sorts of places, but Skehan's is probably the one I used to go to most often, with least obligation."

Tristan taught himself how to use graphics software, mapping out the pub's structure and diligently crafting details based on photos, from the exact wallpaper tone to pictures on the walls.

Next, he set about adding in his friends, recording their movements using motion capture suits borrowed from a VR company.

The end result was a recorded Zoom call, which he sat in on wearing his headset, as if round the table, listening to his friends reflect on what they miss about their favourite hangout.

To create some atmosphere, an array of celebrities padded out the rest of the establishment, from Phil Mitchell to Arsene Wenger.

A still from the recorded Zoom conversation (Tristan Cross/Wired)

Explaining what aspect of the pub he wanted to capture the most, he said: "The innate cosiness inside. I'm not sure I quite achieved it.

"There's all sorts of elements to the real thing.

"I could do a crude approximate of the colour scheme, decor, lighting and fireplace with the software available, but I couldn't capture the smell, feel or atmosphere of the place.

"It might be the current limits of technology (or my limits as someone using it) but until both improve, in real life Skehan's remains inimitable!"

Mr Cross says he's had a "very heartening" response from both locals and the owner to his efforts, which were first published by Wired.

"I find London pubs are often extremely divisive - saying you rate somewhere is invitation for someone else to go: 'that place? Why? It's terrible,'" he said.

"But Skehan's seems to have managed the rare feat of having near-universal affection (at least from the people who've got in touch.)

If he has the time or energy, Mr Cross may lend his skills towards recreating Nunhead Cemetery, where he could enjoy some "lovely virtual walks", or Deptford's Hullaballo, which serves a "mean masala."