Netflix's newest festive romantic comedy, Jingle Bell Heist, has captured viewers' attention not just with its charming storyline but with its authentic London backdrop. The film, which began streaming in November 2025, showcases several capital locations, though many appear surprisingly different on screen.
The Star-Studded Festive Caper
Featuring Connor Swindells from Sex Education and Disney alum Olivia Holt as the leading duo, Jingle Bell Heist follows petty thief Sophia and former security consultant Nick as they join forces to rob the notorious Sterlings London Department Store. The Christmas-set plot sees American Sophia travelling to London to care for her ill mother, resorting to theft to cover medical costs, while recently divorced Nick struggles to support his young daughter.
When Nick catches Sophia stealing from her workplace, the unlikely pair team up to target the department store run by a corrupt businessman, portrayed by Peter Serafinowicz. Filming commenced in December 2023, perfectly timing with London's existing Christmas decorations that naturally enhanced the film's festive atmosphere.
Recognisable London Landmarks Transformed
One of the few immediately recognisable locations in the film is The Victory Pub in Cambridge Heath, which serves as Sophia's workplace and features in the film's final shot before credits roll. Situated at 27 Vyner Street, this establishment remains largely unchanged from its real-life appearance.
However, the production team worked extensively to transform Brixton's Loughborough Hotel into the fictional Sterlings London Department Store. The former entertainment venue, originally built around 1900, had its beloved pub close in the late 2000s. During filming in January 2024, locals reported spotting film crews and large groups of extras around the completely transformed exterior, according to Southwark News coverage.
Brixton's Hidden Film Locations
The nearby Heaven Café in Brixton underwent a significant makeover to become Atticus Oyster Co., a fictional oyster restaurant appearing within the film's opening minutes. Adjacent to the café, viewers briefly see a clothing boutique named L'Atelier de Dorothy, which appears to be a real-life barbershop that looks entirely different as the romcom's upscale neighbourhood shop.
Both Brixton locations sit conveniently close to the Loughborough Hotel, creating a compact filming district for the production team. The strategic use of these spaces demonstrates how film crews can dramatically alter familiar London spots to serve their narrative purposes while maintaining the city's authentic atmosphere.
Jingle Bell Heist represents another example of London's thriving film industry, showcasing how the capital's diverse architecture and neighbourhoods can provide the perfect backdrop for international streaming content. The film is now available for streaming on Netflix worldwide.
