See The Best Cakes From The Great Architectural Bake Off |

published 18 June 2018

Over the past four years, London architecture firms have swapped their pens for rolling-pinsfor theWATG’s Great Architectural Bake-Off, to battle it out to create the best gourmet version of iconic buildings and landmarks.

Last weekend saw some of the world’s best architects turn their hands to bakes rather than buildings, as some of the industry's most respected architects went head-to-head in the Great Architectural Bake-Off.

The annual competition saw iconicLondon landmarks be recreated as brilliant bakes, including MI6, The London Eye, Tower Bridge, The Old Navy College and the Barbican. In the mix was alsoa version of Gaudi’s Park Güell by Squire + Partners and Tower Bridge by Make Architects.

Stand-out entries included a delicious edible edition of the London Aquatics Centre by Zaha Hadid Architects, winning tastiest bake, and the Imperial War Museum by Stride Treglown which got praised for its ingenious use of wartime flavours.

Plus, for the very first time, three universities joined the mix for the inaugural Student Bake-Off which welcomed aspiring architects and bakers to flex their culinary and creative skills.

Central Saint Martins University whipped up an immaculate version of Succession House in Vienna while University of Greenwich baked Old Royal Navy College.

But it was London Metropolitan University who narrowly edged it to be named champion with their semi-demolished version of the Robin Hood Gardens, which combined layers of sponges of ginger, pistachio and classic Victoria.

Contestants had their work cut out for them as the edible entries were judged by apanel of industry experts including Tom Hetherington, Architect and Great British Bake-Off competitor, Peter Murray, Founder of the London Festival of Architecture and Tamsie Thomson, Director of the London Festival of Architecture.

Marks were awarded for realistic representation, a creative use of materials and – of course – great tasting cakes. Bonus points were awarded for any bakes that explored the London Festival of Architecture’s annual theme of Identity.

The winner? Architecture firm Benoy took the crown with their‘Barbicake’; an entirely edible version of the Barbican, made from chocolate fudge, wafer, blueberry swirl, ginger and Nutella.

How's that for some serious baking inspiration?

Lotte is the Digital Editor for Livingetc, and has been with the website since its launch. She has a background in online journalism and writing for SEO, with previous editor roles at Good Living, Good Housekeeping, Country & Townhouse, and BBC Good Food among others, as well as her own successful interiors blog. When she's not busy writing or tracking analytics, she's doing up houses, two of which have features in interior design magazines. She's just finished doing up her house in Wimbledon, and is eyeing up Bath for her next project.