A crazy golf course opened today on the roof of Selfridges.
The course, which overlooks Oxford Street, features holes decorated to look like huge iced cakes inspired by London landmarks.
The idea has been so popular that the first 1,000 tickets sold out in just 10 minutes.
Sam Bompas, who came up with the idea two years ago with Harry Parr, said: “They used to have crazy golf in the 1930s on top of Selfridges. There was a massive crazy golf craze after the stock market crash.
“We’ve been on a crazy golf pilgrimage across Britain to bring the best here.”
“A couple of years ago I asked whether we could put this on. This space is only 50 metres long so to make it strong enough to make it safe took some time.”
He added: “We just wanted to do something that could be emotionally appealing and fun.”
Visitors are given a bakewell tart scented score card, clubs and a ball on arrival before they tackle the nine holes which include St Paul’s Cathedral, The Gherkin and Big Ben.
Tower Bridge is one of the most daring holes positioned next to a waterfall where players are at risk of getting wet.
The original inspiration for the course came from the Seven Wonders of London that featured as an illustrated series by Peter Jackson that appeared in the Evening Standard in April 1982.
The roof top, which had to be specially reinforced to be strong enough to hold the course, also features Daylesford Cafe which has its own mini market garden where visitors can cool off and refresh with Pimms, afternoon tea or savoury cheese and meat boards.
The Big Roof Top Tea And Golf Party, which is open until September 2, is part of Selfridge’s Big British Bang, a series of events to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics.
Visitors can either book online for tickets, which cost £6, or buy tickets in the store.
It is not the first time the rooftop has been used to stage unusual events.
In 2009 chef Pierre Koffmann had a restaurant on the roof and, more recently, last year it housed a temporary boating lake.
For more information and to book visit selfridges.com/bigbritishbang
The Big Roof Top Tea And Golf Party is one of the store’s events to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee and Olympics. Tickets are £6 and can be bought in store or at selfridges.com/bigbritishbang
