Top Boy in real life! As hit show returns for explosive final season, we reveal the every day scenes behind some of the series’ most famous locations
As Netflix prepares to air the final series of Top Boy, the gritty locations that make up the fictional drugs turf in east London are enjoying a boom in visits from fans.
Since its beginning in 2011, the fictitious ‘Summerhouse’ estate in Hackney has played host to drug dealers Dushane Hill (played by Ashley Walters) and Gerard ‘Sully’ Sullivan (Kane Robinson) as they rise through the ranks.
The show’s first two seasons, each just four episodes long, aired in 2011 and 2013 and were met with critical acclaim under the helm of creator Ronan Bennett.
Such was its impact that in 2017, Canadian rapper Drake successfully lobbied Netflix to revive the series and served as executive producer as the cast and crew returned.
Now on its fifth and final run of episodes, we look back at the humdrum London spots that have lit up on the TV screens of millions of viewers worldwide.
Summerhouse Estate
Heygate Estate, Elephant and Castle
The location of the fictional Summerhouse estate in Hackney, where Dushane and Sully ply their trade, was originally the Heygate Estate in Elephant and Castle.
The sprawling 1970s estate, home to around 3,000 people at its height, was a popular filming location due to its stark brutalist architecture.
The shoot location played a prominent part in the first two seasons of Top Boy with Channel 4, and also featured in various movies and TV shows including Luther and The Bill.
But, the famous estate had to be dropped as a location, as it was flattened as part of a regeneration project of the area, and is currently under redevelopment.
The location of the fictional Summerhouse estate in Hackney, where Dushane and Sully ply their trade, was originally the Heygate Estate in Elephant and Castle
Samuda Estate, Isle of Dogs
When Netflix took over the show after Heygate was scrapped, the filming location was moved to the Samuda estate on the Isle of Dogs, east London.
Built in 1967 and home to around 33 residents, the ‘living’ estate carried on as normal throughout filming of the series, with neighbours offering their homes as storage and green rooms for the crew.
Andy Orr, assistant locations manager on Top Boy, told the Evening Standard: ‘I am very proud of the work I did on the Samuda estate.
‘It speaks volumes to the high regard that the series is held in that so many of the residents were not only happy for the filming to take place but also to help us out with green rooms, holding areas, fake hoardings etc.’
Built in 1967 and home to around 33 residents, Samuda estate carried on as normal throughout filming of the series
Number One Café, London Fields
The wood-panelled cafe acts as a regular meeting place between Dushane and Sully, where they often carry out their business.
But the nostalgic no-frills restaurant is no studio set and is in fact the Number One Café in London Fields.
The cosy bistro is clearly proud of its association with the hit show and regularly posts updates about it on its Facebook page, along with pictures of scrumptious-looking full English breakfasts
The wood-panelled cafe acts as a regular meeting place between Dushane and Sully
Old English Garden, Victoria Park
The bench where crew members Jamie, Stefan and Aaron hang out is in the Old English Garden in Victoria Park.
The surprisingly quaint locale easily blends into the background of the show but its origins seem a far cry from the troubled lives of Top Boy’s movers and shakers.
In 1839, a need was established for a park in the East End of London and work started in 1845 and finished in 1850. In April, 1873 Queen Victoria visited the park which was named in her honour.
The bench where crew members Jamie, Stefan and Aaron hang out is in the Old English Garden in Victoria Park
Ridley Road Market, Dalston
The market used in the show is Ridley Road Market often referred to as ‘Dalston Market’ in east London.
Located opposite Dalston Kingsland railway station, just off the Kingsland High Street section of the A10, the vibrant market is the perfect backdrop for characters passing through on their way to summerhouse estate.
It’s also the scene of more than one shady dealing in the show.
The market used in the show is Ridley Road Market often referred to as ‘Dalston Market’ in east London
Dushane’s flat – Gee Street, Clerkenwell
Dushane’s flat is where much of the action takes place and sees the character gradually slip from anti-hero into villainous territory.
In real life, the apartment is situated on Gee Street in Clerkenwell, north London, just a stone’s throw from some of the trendiest bars and clubs in the capital.
Dushane’s flat is where much of the action takes place. In real life, the apartment is situated on Gee Street in Clerkenwell
Kiki’s Nail Salon – Canning Town
In season 3, Dushane starts a relationship with Shelley, a woman who lives on the Summerhouse estate and helps care for his sick mother.
But Shelley is now wallflower and has her own life working in a nail bar, despite Dushane’s wads of cash.
In real life, Kiki’s Nail Salon on Freemasons Road, Canning Town, serves as the locale for Shelley’s place of work.
In real life, Kiki’s Nail Salon on Freemasons Road, Canning Town, serves as the locale for Shelley’s place of work
Walworth Academy, Southwark
School scenes throughout the show are shot at Walworth Academy in Southwark.
One scene featuring Ra’Nell and Gem even had students at the school performing as extras.
School scenes throughout the show are shot at Walworth Academy in Southwark
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