Cool Stuff: Real Life 'Hobbit' Pub Opens In New Zealand, Harry Potter Shop Comes To Platform 9 3/4

It's a sad fact for geeks that there's still no way to actually become a hobbit or a wizard. But thanks to two new spots, we can at least pretend for a little while.

The King's Cross station in London has opened a new souvenir shop at Platform 9 3/4, which Harry Potter fans know is where Hogwarts students catch the train to school. Meanwhile, Hobbiton in New Zealand has transformed the Green Dragon Inn set into a working pub. Read more and check out some photos and video after the jump.

And here are some images from The Independent (via io9):

The first time I saw Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, I actually had no idea Platform 9 3/4 wasn't a real place. But now, of course, it is. The spot was marked several years back with a small sign and a trolley cart pushing through the wall, but the shop represents a significant expansion. The establishment opened doors last Saturday, December 15 and sells, among other things, wands, robes, and the books themselves.

If you're more of a Tolkien diehard, New Zealand has established a new watering hole that'll let you drink like one of his creations. The Green Dragon Inn has opened doors within the Hobbiton attraction, an former film set where part of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies were shot.

The exterior of the Green Dragon has always been part of Hobbiton, but it's only as of a few weeks ago that it's been transformed into a working pub. As part of the tour, guests can stop in for a glass of beer, cider, or non-alcoholic ginger beer. Take a look at the space below:

[Noosa News via Nerd Bastards]

Forget Peter Jackson's beloved 48 FPS — now this is an immersive experience. Head to Hobbiton's official website for visitor info.