Address: 187 North Gower Street, London NW1 2NJ
Why It Makes the Itinerary: BBC Sherlock filming locations, Benedict Cumberbatch sightseeing, and Sherlock Holmes-themed London stops.
Nearest Tube: Euston Square or Warren Street, both within walking distance.
Before You Go: Speedy’s is a traditional neighborhood café with limited seating, so allow some flexibility if it’s busy. Reported hours are Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; closed Sundays. Hours may change, so confirm before making a special trip.
Is Speedy’s Café Worth the Detour for Sherlock Fans?
If you were hooked on the BBC series Sherlock, Speedy’s Café on North Gower Street in London is worth making a little detour to find.
The hugely popular series brought Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson into modern-day London, helping turn Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman into international stars, alongside Andrew Scott as the perfectly sinister Professor Moriarty.
And unlike many famous filming locations, Speedy’s is still a working neighborhood café where you can stop for breakfast, photograph a familiar piece of television history, and enjoy a few reminders of the show’s filming days.
187 North Gower Street: Finding the BBC Sherlock 221B Door
Before heading inside Speedy’s, step back far enough to take in the café’s distinctive red awning. It looks remarkably similar to the way it appeared in the series. Right beside it is the black doorway that television audiences came to recognize as Sherlock and Watson’s famous 221B Baker Street address.
Although the series places Holmes and Watson on Baker Street, those familiar exterior scenes were actually filmed here on North Gower Street.
But don’t knock. Mrs Hudson won’t be answering—it’s a private residence.
Inside Speedy’s Café: BBC Sherlock Cast Autographs and Photos on Display
Step inside and you’ll find a small, traditional London café rather than a themed Sherlock Holmes attraction.
Look around the walls for photographs of Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, and members of the production team. The framed pictures and filming memorabilia are reminders that this everyday café became an internationally recognized television location.
Stay for a Sherlock Breakfast at Speedy’s Café
The menu includes a Sherlock Breakfast featuring scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, avocado, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast.
If you’d rather have something more traditional, there are full English and vegetarian breakfasts, along with bacon and sausage baps.
Keep Exploring Sherlock Holmes in London
The Sherlock Holmes Museum — Visit the famous black 221B doorway, discover the unusual address controversy, and decide whether you want to tour the museum.
The Sherlock Holmes Pub — Head toward Trafalgar Square for a pint and a look at the pub’s upstairs recreation of Holmes and Watson’s sitting room.