Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney’s star Executive Pastry Chef Anna Polyviou’s giant gingerbread train will pull into the property on December 1.

Much merrymaking is afoot as the Punk Princess of Pastry and her team of elves work jollily to create a four metre train, festive High Tea and a Christmas treat pop-up store to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

Polyviou’s fantastical creations have fast become a destination on Sydney’s festive calendar, with this year’s work of art combining 1,000 kilos of gingerbread bricks, 500 kilos of lollies, 100 kilos of fondant, 200 lollipops and liberal lashings of icing.

“The train will be lavishly decorated with hundreds of lollies and will bring that beautiful aroma of freshly baked gingerbread to our lobby,” Polyviou said.

She said her aim is to make it more extravagant than ever.

“It’s so important for our guests to get that magical Christmas feeling and I love that parents get just as excited as kids when they see the size and fun of the train,” she said.

The gingerbread train and pop-up store will be open daily at the Lobby Lounge from 7am from 1-31 December 2017.

Christmas revellers will delight in Polyviou’s delicious ode to yuletide happenings. Guests will enjoy Red Berry Choux, Christmas Trifle, Pudding, Star Tarts, Merry Scones and Christmas Presents under the Tree.

Polyviou will host gingerbread making classes for kids as part of Festive High Tea on Saturday 2 December and 16 December, between 11.30 a.m and 3.00 p.m. The classes will take place near the giant gingerbread train.

The Festive High Tea is available at the Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney, 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, from 1 to 31 December 2017, between noon to 2:30 p.m. and from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

James Wilkinson

Editor-In-Chief, Hotel Management