Shangri-La Hotel's Giant Gingerbread Train
This creation — filled with 1000 kilos of lollies and gingerbread — is the type of transport we can get on board with.
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Overview
We all know by now that pastry chef Anna Polyviou doesn't do things by halves — and will use any excuse to create something OTT and sugar-filled. This festive season, she proves this once again with the return of her giant gingerbread train.
The four-metre train combines 1000 kilos of gingerbread bricks, 500 kilos of lollies, 100 kilos of fondant, lollipops, candy canes and untold quantities of icing. It gives sugar high a whole new meaning. Polyviou also collaborated with cake engineer Verusca Walker (what a job title) to include various moving parts to the train. You'll find this fantastical creation in the Lobby Lounge of the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney.
That's not the only festive thing happening there throughout December. The Lobby Lounge will also be home to a festive high tea. Designed by Polyviou, this feast will feature three tiers of decadent bites. You'll start with savoury bites like croque monsieur, Yamba prawn brioche rolls and smoked turkey breast, before moving on to the sweet treats —think gingerbread passionfruit caramel, peach melba, festive scones and something described as 'Christmas in a Jar'.
And, if those sugar cravings aren't yet curbed, be sure to check out the festive candy store in The Lobby Lounge, too. The perfect spot to pick up gifts for the sweet tooths in your life, the pop-up sells mini gingerbread houses ($65), Christmas puddings ($22), fruit mince tarts ($12.50 for six) and Christmas trifles ($135).
The gingerbread train and pop-up store are open every day in December from 7am; the festive high tea is available daily from 11.30am–1.30pm, 1.45–3.45pm and 4–6pm. You can make a reservation for the high tea here.
