Quite possibly, the most iconic address in England apart from 10 Downing Street is 221B Baker Street as the London residence of the most famous detective of all-time, Sherlock Holmes. Set in the 21st Century, the new Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, has, inadvertently, created quite a stir in the world of Speedy’s Sandwich Bar and Cafe.

Unfortunately, prior to the start of actual filming, there was an immediate realization that Baker Street in the 21st Century was both a major traffic jam waiting to happen and too loud for filming. Desperately wanting to stay within the spirit of the books from a detail standpoint was now a much harder task as, technically, there isn’t a true 221B Baker Street. The producers decided to move about a 1/2 mile away to Gower Street. Good for filming and, now apparently, good for business at Speedy’s Sandwich Bar and Cafe.

According to owner, Chris Georgiou, “We have attracted all sorts from across the globe. We even had the Sherlock Holmes Appreciation Society drop in for a coffee. The cast and crew were all great when they were filming“. Georgiou added, “I chatted to Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman [who plays Dr Watson] and they were charming“.

Good news for Speedy’s and the even better news for viewers worldwide is that the series, created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, has already been picked up for additional episodes.

FYI, Sherlock premieres on PBS, October 24, 2010. Closer to home, KERA will broadcast beginning that same Sunday evening for three weeks beginning at 8:00pm CT. If you haven’t seen the trailer for the Oct 24 premiere….enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BViNDHp6rHA