Speedy’s Cafe in London. (Photo: Taken by Lacy Baugher)
The Show’s Baker Street is Actually More Like Euston Square
Sherlock’s 221 Baker Street address is incredibly famous. But the show doesn’t actually film there. The real-life Baker Street is full of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle-related signage, as well as a Sherlock Holmes Museum and gift shop. There’s even a statue of the great detective a little further up the road. So, it’s not exactly inconspicuous or easy to produce a TV show in. (There isn’t really a 221b there anyway. Though there is a plaque where it ought to exist.)
Instead, the Sherlock crew uses an address on North Gower Street, near London’s Euston Square, as the stand-in for Baker Street. This is a well-known fandom pilgrimage spot, largely because the series films exteriors there a couple of times every season. This has given rise to the phenomenon of “Setlock”, where fans gather in (rather large) crowds to watch the production in action.
The Speedy’s Café that’s next door to Sherlock and John’s flat is a real place, however. They’ve got decent sandwich and breakfast options, including some wraps inspired by the show. The “Sherlock Wrap” comes with chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, cucumber, lettuce, peppers, red onions and chili sauce. The “John Watson Wrap” was created by a fan in a 2012 competition, and includes roasted vegetables, spinach, tomatoes, spring onion, Brie and sour cream. If you’re not feeling hungry, there’s a variety of Speedy’s-themed merchandise you can buy as well.
At the very least, you have to take your picture under the shop’s recognizable awning, and maybe pose in front of the door to the apartment building beside it. (Everyone else will be.)