Liberty Tea Rooms in Hemel Hempstead Faces Closure Despite Ludwig Filming
The Liberty Tea Rooms and Community Hub in Hemel Hempstead faces potential permanent closure if it cannot secure £25,000 by the end of October. This charity-run facility relies largely on volunteer support and has already made staffing cuts due to financial difficulties. Currently closed for the filming of the third series of BBC's comedy drama Ludwig, which utilizes both interior and exterior shots, the venue will reopen on October 7. Trustee chairman Mark Kitson emphasized the hub's significance in providing essential services like meals and debt support, stressing the urgency of the fundraising campaign as community needs grow.
Key facts
- Liberty Tea Rooms and Community Hub in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, could close permanently unless it raises £25,000 by the end of October.
- Trustees said the volunteer-run charity is in an "extremely low cash position" and has already reduced staffing costs.
- The tea room has been temporarily closed since 15 September while the third series of BBC comedy drama Ludwig films there.
- Filming is taking place inside and outside the building over several weeks, with a rain machine due to be used for one scene.
- The venue's frontage has been transformed to resemble a bank, which it was before becoming a community venue.
- Trustee chairman Mark Kitson said the production paid a fee for use of the building at a time when extra funds were badly needed.
- The tea room is due to reopen on 7 October, and the production team will restore it, repair a broken window and update signage.
- Volunteers provide support including meals, debt advice and food bank parcels for people in the community facing difficulty.
Entities
Artists
- David Mitchell
- Mark Kitson
Institutions
- Liberty Tea Rooms and Community Hub
- BBC
- Ludwig
Locations
- Hemel Hempstead
- Hertfordshire
- United Kingdom