The Pokemon Go! phenomena is taking gamers to a perhaps unexpected location – a snowy ski scene in Central London.
In fact this isn’t actual snow in the 30 degree July heat but a snowy mural created by tour operator Erna Low on the outside wall of their offices at 9 Reece Mews, South Kensington, a year ago.
It joins other London landmarks including Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard which are all either ‘Pokestops’ or a ‘Gym’.
Erna Low’s work of art, created by renowned ski artist, Jonny Midnight, has already been recognised by the Kensington and Fulham Open Art Spaces Exhibition last Autumn. It’s new status as a Pokestop has been described as a “total fluke” by an Erna low spokesperson.
Pokemon Go! players are now arriving at Erna Low’s office armed with Pokeballs (a kind of digital snowball) and Potions! (a kind of digital gluhwein, we think).
“I am chuffed to say that our beautiful Jonny Midnight ski mural has been chosen along with the French Institute and Christie’s in South Kensington!” said Erna Low’s boss Joanna Yellowlees-Bound, who added, “We are seeing a lot of people floating by and clicking on their iphones – and the great thing is that with this craze, people not only collect their Pokemon, but they really do see a live work of art at the same time, which they would not have seen unless they were out hunting Pokemon characters!”
The company say they may even start dropping lures on their Pokestop to help Pokemon trainers as they pass through (although we’re not quite sure what that means…)