Present, in January 2024, were: The Ant, Aunty Ant, Lioness, Parker, Mr & Mrs Catwoman

Was chatting to a random acquaintance the other day and they raised the subject of Escape Rooms and how they would love the puzzling element but would hate the scares and the dark and the trapped feeling of being locked in. Obviously, I was keen to put forward the case for the defence and, having just played, The Great British Break Out was Exhibit A. Some rooms are dark and scary and stressful. And some are just a lovely warm cuddle of a game, even when your objective is to defuse a bomb.

Originally a charity pop-up in Southampton, The Great British Break Out is very faithfully based on the similarly named, much-loved TV baking programme and has now found a permanent home in Downham Market (a donation is still given to charity for each game). And although in a fairly small space, this definitely does not feel like a pop-up, with a couple of bits of seriously built kit that are reassuringly authentic.

Puzzles and props are all absolutely on theme. Baking-related puzzles are a niche area, but this has been embraced whole-heartedly, with a couple of nice little nods to the show that fans will pick up on (the non-GBBO watchers may be a tiny bit confused by the odd reference, but to no detriment). Baking is quite mathsy, and so is the room, but it also has plenty of other treats to get your teeth into. There are some more practical tasks, and a little bit of low-level scrabbling (you need at least one team member willing to sit on the floor). Our team of six was arguably two too many for the room, partly because we were half and half experienced/inexperienced players. A rookie group of six with mostly youngsters would be fine. We had some standing around and a little stepping on toes, but not to a frustrating extent.

For my random acquaintance, this would have been a perfect room. Bright, light, cosily familiar, unlocked exit door, the gentle jeopardy of a soggy bottom, but with strong, fun puzzles. The kind of room that is so important for the industry as an accessible gateway game for those who love to test their brains and teamwork but might otherwise be scared off by the ubiquitous prison, bank job, serial killer themes. We had a lovely time, partially fuelled by real cake (thanks to GM Cat for her conspiring with me to hide that in the room). Would thoroughly recommend this as a sweet and satisfying experience, especially for fans of the show.

• Storyline: Defuse the cake bomb (or bombe?) to save the beloved tent. Light and frothy.
• Theming and Set: Small space with a summery feel, nails the show vibe.
• Searching: Not a big factor.
• Puzzles: Loved some of the clever kit, all on theme.
• Physicality: Very sedate, but as Bake Off fans know, usually someone ends up sitting on the floor.
• Scare factor: Not a hint of Paul Hollywood menace.
• Company Age Guidance: “This room suitable for ages 10 years and up.  Any player under the age of 18 will require an adult to be in the room with them at all times.”
• Age suitability: A nice room for junior Bake Off fans, grannies, and everyone in between, although decent puzzling skills are required.

Hourglass Escapes website