World’s first hologram dining experience 'Two Hearts Pizzeria' pops up on Edinburgh’s Castle Street

The world’s first hologram dining experience is uniting loved ones today in Edinburgh’s Castle Street and Southbank in London.

Virgin Media’s ‘Two Hearts Pizzeria’ is connecting diners located at opposite ends of the UK with a real-time holographic dining experience.

The pioneering technology, which involves the projection of life-size 4K holograms, means loved ones separated by the pandemic will be able to see, hear and interact with each other in real-time, as though they were sat together at the same table, without having to stare at a screen.

While the first-of-its-kind dining experience is physically split in two – with half of the futuristic pizzeria located in London and the other in Edinburgh – diners will feel closer than ever, despite being 400 miles apart, as a live hologram of their loved one seamlessly appears opposite them. The cutting-edge technology is powered by Virgin Media’s gigabit network, and makes it feel like diners are together in-person.

The Two Hearts Pizzeria dining experience in Edinburgh, which Virgin Media is showcasing to bring people closer together and offer guests the chance to share a pizza with a loved one 400 miles apart via hologram, as if sat at the same table.

The opening comes as research from the broadband provider reveals half of Brits are ‘bored’ of video calls with 63 per cent saying they don’t give them the level of interaction they need and want.

With many friends and family still unable to meet in person, almost a third of Brits would prefer to keep in touch via hologram as it would help them feel closer and more connected.

More than a third even suggest hologram calls could help keep the romance alive for those maintaining long distance relationships.

Futurologist and tech forecaster, Dr James Bellini, has predicted that hologram technology will become commonplace in homes by 2030.

He said: “Advancements in technology and lightning-speed broadband mean that pioneering forms of connectivity, such as holograms, are now viable options for when we want to feel closer to those we’re not physically able to be with. With technology moving as quickly as it is now, it wouldn’t be strange for holograms to be commonplace in UK households by the turn of the decade.”

Brits report being willing to welcome this new technology into their homes, as almost a quarter say they see hologram technology being the norm in domestic homes within a decade. In fact, Brits think they are more likely to have this tech at home by 2030 than a cupboard which organises food by its use-by dates, a robot butler or a self-sorting laundry basket.

Dr Bellini added: “Holograms can enhance our lives by removing barriers to human connection, be that screens or distance. A more frequent use of the tech could revolutionise the workplace, our social lives and events, travel and leisure or dining experiences. Having a 3D life-size, real-time connection with someone via hologram opens up a world of possibility and acts as a great starting point for those looking to re-adjust to normal life as restrictions ease, whilst relieving the longing of wanting to ‘be’ with another person.

“Although, accessible hologram technology is fairly new, the research from Virgin Media shows the appetite is there, meaning we’ll need the broadband speeds to keep up.”

Jeff Dodds, chief operating officer at Virgin Media, said: “The past year has been a rollercoaster and the support of our loved ones has been more important than ever, be that in real life or virtually.

“The pandemic has accelerated the need to stay connected online and has created an opportunity to revolutionise the way we use technology, with many permanently changing their habits and behaviours as a result.

“The real-time holographic technology demonstrated at the Two Hearts Pizzeria is the natural evolution of the video call, and thanks to our gigabit network, we’re serving up a slice of the future.”

The Two Hearts Pizzeria will connect more than 30 loved ones over the course of two days, offering sittings to pre-booked diners only in a Covid-safe space.

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