The Gingerbread House at Pennyhill Park

Step 1: Bake. A Lot.

Think your Christmas baking is ambitious? Try whipping up 70 kilograms of gingerbread. That’s the equivalent of… a lot of cookies. The team started their marathon bake-a-thon in early November, rolling, cutting, and baking tirelessly. 

And where does all this gingerbread wait for its big debut? Securely stashed away in the pastry kitchen - safe from wandering hands (or hungry staff).

Step 2: Constructing the Sweet Vision

• The Transport: Once baked, the gingerbread is wheeled out on trolleys in batches - but not before the technical services team have constructed the base.

• The Glue: No secret formulas here - good ol’ royal icing does the job. It’s sturdy enough to hold tiles together and doubles as the grouting. Plus, the entire structure is edible! Yes, even the icing sugar ‘snow’. Though we have a tasty solution that stops the display being eaten away. 

• The Build: Assembling the house is no small feat. A 10-hour night shift (or longer!) with three chefs and a tech service engineer transforms the gingerbread into a nearly 3-metre-wide and 3-metre-tall marvel. Sections are carefully wedged into place, screwed together, and thoughtfully designed. Safety first, sweets second. 

Step 3: Deck the Halls (or Facade)

This year’s design takes inspiration from Diagon Alley, with nods to Ollivanders’ wand shop and other magical storefronts. From the 40 sugar-glass windowpanes to the repurposed wood sourced from a pool refurb, every detail is thoughtful and environmentally conscious.

The final house boasts two tall windows, twinkling lights, and a magical entrance - perfect for bringing out your inner child and setting the festive mood.

Festive Vibes: Music and Magic

What’s a gingerbread house without a little festive spirit? The team works their magic with Wham’s "Last Christmas" on repeat (because one can never have too much George Michael) and the naturally festive aroma of freshly baked gingerbread wafting through the air.

Though the house itself is strictly “look, don’t touch,” you don’t have to miss out. A basket of hand-cut gingerbread biscuits is always on offer for guests to help themselves. Because honestly, who could resist?