One of the top TV shows of the Christmas period put Hemel Hempstead centre stage as the town played a starring role in BBC children’s drama Mr Stink, seen by millions as it aired twice over the holiday period.
The TV take on David Walliams’ children’s novel saw Hugh Bonneville as the title character admiring the views in Gadebridge Park as well as making drinks in Marlowes coffee shop, Tiki Cafe.
Tiki’s Amy Michie, 23, said: “When we were approached to be a location for the film, we were told it was going to be on BBC1 and I thought: You can’t get much better than that.
“They filmed it in October but customers were all asking what it was about and when it was going to be on. People are still quite excited and they loved seeing their coffee shop on telly.
“I think they chose here because it is the biggest independent coffee shop in the town. It was crazy and manic at the time, with actors walking around and Pudsey the dog chilling in the corner. But it has all been positive for us and it was an enjoyable experience.”
Tiki customer and mum-of-two Nicola Hemley said: “We come here quite often, but it feels a bit weird to come in to your local cafe once you have seen it on TV.
“I quite enjoyed it, and it was nice to see Hemel on the telly. I think I will show it to my sons next because it would be good for young children.”
Viewers would also have spotted Raj’s, a newsagents set up in an empty unit along Marlowes for the purposes of the show.
Amy Stevens, a sales assistant at the MoneyShop pawnbroker next door said: “People have been coming in saying they had seen the shop on Mr Stink and they might now be more aware of what we do in here.
The drama is available on the iPlayer service until Sunday.