"Is this where Jimmy Perez walked?" Life in No88 during 'Shetland' season

One question we hear a lot at No88 is:

"Where's Jimmy Perez's house?"

Usually it's asked just after someone's ordered lunch, or halfway through a coffee. Sometimes they've got an episode of Shetland open on their phone. Sometimes they're convinced they've already walked past it.

They're usually right.

Being on Commercial Street means we're lucky enough to sit in the middle of one of the most recognisable parts of the series. Step outside our front door and you'll find yourself in scenes that millions of people around the world have watched from their sofas. We've even had No88 used as a filming locstion in one of the series'!

For us, though, it's just... home.

We walk these streets before work. We watch the harbour change with the weather. We know how different Lerwick looks in the bright summer evenings compared with a wild winter afternoon. It's funny seeing places that feel so normal to us become instantly recognisable because they've appeared on television.

One of our favourite things is chatting to visitors who have travelled hundreds—or sometimes thousands—of miles because they fell in love with Shetland.

Some arrive with a carefully planned list of filming locations.

Others just wander until something makes them stop and say, "I've seen this before..."

And then there's always the excitement when they discover that Jimmy Perez's famous waterfront house at the Lodberries is only a short stroll away.

The funny thing is, once people have found the places they came to see, the conversation changes.

They start talking about the harbour.

The light.

The sea.

How peaceful Shetland feels.

How everyone says hello.

That's usually when we know they're beginning to experience the real Shetland, not just the television version.

Don't get us wrong—we love that the series has introduced so many people to our islands. It's wonderful hearing different accents around the restaurant and seeing guests comparing notes on their favourite episodes.

But we also love watching people discover everything the cameras couldn't possibly capture.

The smell of the sea drifting up Commercial Street.

The sound of fishing boats heading out early in the morning.

The way the light changes across Bressa every few minutes.

Those are the little moments that stay with you long after you've gone home.

If you're visiting because of Shetland, we'd love to hear which episode inspired your trip.

And if you're not sure where to wander next, just ask.

We'll happily point you towards a few favourite spots—some famous, some not—and when you're finished exploring, we'll have a table waiting, a warm welcome, and a menu full of the best Shetland has to offer.

After all, every good island adventure should end with great food.

Jimmy Perez's House