Sponge cake model of Wren church on show at SE1 architects' office

The event, part of the London Festival of Architecture, is in support of the INSPIRE! Appeal to fund the urgent repair and restoration of St Bride's spire which is said to have been the inspiration for the tiered wedding cake.

"St Bride's is a beautiful church which I have always loved," said John Robertson who got to know the building well when he restored the former Daily Express headquarters on Fleet Street.

Appeal chair Paul Finch told visitors on Saturday that St Bride's has the tallest spire of all the churches designed by Sir Christopher Wren.

"It's showing signs of wear and tear as a result of chemical pollution, vibration, dirt and water ingress," he said when explaining the need for a £2.5 million appeal.

"Wren is the greatest architect England ever produced."

Sponge cake and tea is being served to visitors on Sunday 10am to 6pm with all money raised donated to the INSPIRE! Appeal.

Next week the cake moves to St Bride's itself where it will be cut by Sir Terry Farrell after he has delivered the first Wren Talk.

Sir Terry's talk takes place on Thursday 28 June at 7pm. Admission is free but a minimum £10 donation to the appeal will be requested on the door.