December 18th 2024.
The holiday season is upon us and with it, the search for the perfect Christmas thriller. While Die Hard has long been a staple in this genre, there's a new contender in town - Black Doves. This Netflix original has been the talk of the town, and not just because of its twisty ending. With its gripping plot and talented cast, it's no surprise that fans have been buzzing about it since its release.
The story follows the journey of Helen, played by the talented Keira Knightley, a spy on a mission for revenge after her lover Jason's untimely death. As she delves deeper into London's criminal underworld, she enlists the help of her best friend and hitman Sam, portrayed by the charming Ben. Against their boss Reed's orders, the two set out on a dangerous quest, facing obstacles at every turn.
After binge-watching the six-part series, fans have been itching to visit the various London locations that were featured in the show. Luckily, many of these locations are open to the public, making it possible for fans to create their own Black Doves filming tour. From a luxurious hotel to a humble bingo hall, here are 7 locations you can visit that were featured in the thrilling series.
The Royal Lancaster London, located near Hyde Park, served as the backdrop for the scenes where Sam meets Reed. In the show, Sam is dropped off outside the hotel before heading to the Royal Suite for a drink with Reed. Later, he meets a man at the hotel's Park Lounge bar and takes him back to his room. Another notable location is the penthouse owned by Jeffrey Archer, who has welcomed the likes of royalty and prime ministers into his lavish abode. This stunning property overlooking the River Thames was also home to Reed, Helen's boss.
Not all locations are glamorous, however, as seen in the use of Boston Manor Park and the M4 flyover into Hounslow. In one of the show's more low-key scenes, Sam teaches Helen how to shoot like a professional in this seemingly unassuming location. Crystal Palace, a sprawling mansion in the show, is actually located in Crystal Palace, not the celebrity and politician enclave of Highgate as depicted in the series. The show's production designer, Laura Ellis Cricks, explained that the house had to feel both aspirational and lived-in, with a realistic messiness to it.
The Granada Building in Tooting, now home to Buzz Bingo, was the location for a pivotal scene where Sam hands over a hard drive to Reed. The building, which used to be a cinema, had to be filmed quickly due to its operating hours. Other notable London pubs featured in the series include The Palm Tree in Mile End and The Market Coffee House & Bar in Spitalfields. The Westminster Arms, a favorite haunt of MPs, was also used for filming.
Lastly, Southbank, a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, was prominently featured in the show. It was here that Jason, Helen's lover, met his tragic end at the hands of an unknown hitman. As he lay dying on a bench, viewers couldn't help but feel the weight of the scene in this familiar location.
With its gripping plot and stunning locations, it's no wonder that Black Doves has captured the hearts of fans. And while we may never get to experience the thrilling world of espionage like Helen and Sam, at least we can visit the various locations and imagine ourselves in their shoes. Black Doves is now available to stream on Netflix, so be sure to add it to your watch list this holiday season.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
