Piccadilly Arcade has been transformed into a filming location for the new ITV drama Joan, starring Sophie Turner!
Although the six-part series is set in 1980s London and follows the life of jewel thief Joan Harrington, much of the filming took place right here in Birmingham’s city centre, including our iconic arcade.
With its age-old charm, unique shopfronts, and beautifully ornate features, Piccadilly Arcade provided the perfect backdrop for scenes in the show, alongside other city centre locations such as Margaret Street and areas near the Grand Hotel.
Originally built in 1910 as The Picture House, a 600-seat cinema, Piccadilly Arcade has always been a part of Birmingham’s cultural story. Since its transformation in 1926 into an arcade of independent shops, it has become one of the city’s most treasured destinations. From the stunning ceiling murals to the vibrant mix of businesses that call it home, Piccadilly Arcade is a place where heritage meets modern-day charm.
Today, our arcade is home to a range of independent shops and cafés, including Shepherds Barbers, Boba One (recently renovated and ready to serve you the best bubble tea in town), Resiliency Tattoo, Top Tailor, Piccadilly Cobbler, Faculty Coffee, and the lively Be At One cocktail bar, as well as Piccadilly Opticians. Excitingly, we’re also preparing to welcome Clays, a virtual clay shooting bar, set to open just in time for Christmas!
If you’re tuning in to Joan, which airs Sundays at 9pm on ITV1, keep your eyes peeled—you might just spot some familiar sights! And for those catching up on ITVX, be sure to look out for the unmistakable features of Piccadilly Arcade, Birmingham’s very own star of the screen.
We’re honoured to have been part of such an exciting production and can’t wait to welcome you to explore Piccadilly Arcade in person. Who knows—you might even feel like a part of the action!