Sporting excellence may be the name of the game in the Olympic Park and other Olympic venues in and around London this summer – but nations from around the world will be competing on a very different playing field throughout the capital during the London Olympics. While around 10,000 athletes representing a total of 205 nations do their best to pick up as many gold, silver and bronze medals as possible, VIPs, dignitaries and National Olympic Committee officials will be doing their very best to pick up as many canapes and glasses of champagne as the unofficial Olympic schmoozing season gets underway. Olympic hospitality hubs have been confirmed in top venues all over London, with nations aiming to promote their country as a tourist and business location while providing their Olympic team a vital media base for the duration of the Games. Giant screens will be put up to broadcast performances and medal ceremonies, while many National Houses will throw on a range of cultural events, activities and exhibitions in a bid to portray their country in a favourable light. Parties will go on until the early hours while celebrity chefs, famous faces and top Olympians past and present will come to the fore. Zanine Adams of London & Partners, the promotional agency for the capital, told The Times: "Some countries want to push tourism, others will be dining special guests and others just want to throw a big party." The Dutch, for example, are transforming Alexandra Palace into a giant orange beer hall; Ireland have hired an East End bar for their festivities; all 53 African nations have teamed together to put on a vibrant Africa Village in Hyde Park. Russia have laid down a summer ice rink in Kensington Gardens as they bid to promote the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, while France has spent more than £1m on refurbishing Old Billingsgate Market as it tries and put the pain of Paris losing out to London firmly in the past. The following feature lists the confirmed National Houses around London - many of which will be open to the public during the Games. Let the Games - and parties - begin... Cheers!
- London
- London Features
- London Olympics
- Olympic News & Features
-
Olympic National Hospitality Houses
Olympic National Hospitality Houses
A guide to all the confirmed National Hospitality Houses set up by nations across the capital during the London Olympics.
What are National Houses and what do they aim to do?
Fifty-three African nations unite in a corner of Hyde Park
Kensington Gardens, Park Office, Magazine Storeyard, Magazine Gate, Bayswater, London, W2 2UH
Tube: Queensway Station
Dates: 26th July to 12th August 2012
One of London's most loved parks, Kensington Gardens, will become the setting for the first ever Africa House during the London Olympics this summer. 53 African countries (and members of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa ANOCA) will join forces for the Olympic period to showcase the best in African culture and sport. This marks a special occasion as African athletes have never had the chance to participate with an official hospitality House to call their own before. Set in the grounds of Kensington Palace, once the official residence of Princess Diana, Kensington Gardens is a suitably grand location for such a landmark occasion. Africa House will be located next to the Albert Memorial and will be open and free to the public. The site has capacity for 2,000 visitors and will entertain with performances, restaurants and exhibitions, alongside the chance to meet the medal-winning sportsmen and women who will head to Africa House after each day's events to meet and greet fans, and celebrate their victories. Map and nearby hotels.
A very local home for the Australian officials
Westfield Stratford City Shopping Centre, 2 Stratford Place, Montfichet Road, Olympic Park, London, E20 1EJ
Tube: Stratford Station
Dates: 26th July to 12th August 2012
Australian athletes, fans and officials will not have to travel far to their official hospitality hub at the London Olympics with the Australian Olympic Committee choosing the new Westfield Stratford City as their home during the Games. Located above Stratford International and Regional Railway, the gateway to the Olympic Park, Westfield Stratford City will host the AOC's team reception on 26 July at the Southern Cross Lounge - reportedly the only occasion where all of the Australian team and Olympic family will gather in one place during the Games. The programme for events at Australia House is yet to be confirmed. Map and nearby hotels.
Celebration of all things Austrian near the Tower of London
Trinity House, 50 Maddox Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 1QD
Tube: Oxford Circus Station
Dates: 27th July to 12th August 2012
The luxurious Trinity House overlooking the Tower of London will be Austria's National Olympic Committee base for the London 2012 Olympics. Austria House will host all of Austria's medal celebrations and major media conferences, with facilities including television studios, a VIP and sponsors area and a special athletes' leisure zone. A marquee in front of the house will be open to the public, offering a chance to watch the Games and experience a taste of Austrian culture. The Tyrolean Tourism Board will also run a public area in order to attract both locals and tourists. On the back of hosting the inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck in January, Austria have high hopes for their national house to be a popular destination during the Games. Designed by Samuel Wyatt and built back in 1796, Trinity House is the official headquarters of maritime institution the General Lighthouse Authority for England, Wales and the Channel Islands. Located just 70 metres from Tower Hill tube, Trinity House is also the largest endowed maritime charity in the UK. Map with nearby hotels.
A judicious choice by the Belgians
Inner Temple, Crown Office Row, Holborn, London, EC4Y 7HL
Tube: Temple Station
Dates: 27th July to 12th August 2012
The Belgians have adopted one of London's most historic and austere buildings as their hospitality headquarters during the Olympic Games - the Medieval Inns of Court, Inner Temple. The site dates back to the middle of the 12th Century, when the Inner Temple was occupied by law practitioners and students. Despite being partly destroyed by The Great Fire of London in 1666 and suffering war damage in the 20th Century, it has been preserved splendidly and remains one of the great British law institutions to this day. In recent years it was used for the filming of The Da Vinci Code, and has now been picked as Belgium House during the Games this summer. More than 11,000 Belgian NOC guests are expected at Inner Temple (despite members' concerns that it will disrupt the final Trinity term) over a 17-day period; even the Belgian Royal Family will be making an appearance. Visitors will get the chance to meet athletes fresh from the podium and enjoy the historic surroundings, particularly the pristine three-acre Inner Temple gardens. The Belgians have also booked the neighboring Apex Temple Court Hotel. Map and nearby hotels.
2016 host nation keen to put on a show to savour
Somerset House, Strand, Covent Garden, London, WC2R 1LA
Tube: Temple Station
Dates: 12th July to 12th September 2012
Bringing a touch of Samba to the heart of London for two whole months, Somerset House will receive a distinctly carnival-esque makeover this summer as the Brazilian Olympic Committee set up home on the Strand throughout the London Olympics and Paralympics. Casa Brasil will be keen to make a big impact and impress in preparation for the Rio Games in 2016, plus showcase the best of Brazilian culture and celebrate their sporting successes. As part of Casa Brasil, there will be an exciting free exhibition of contemporary visual arts, design and fashion open to the public in the Embankment Galleries from 21st July to 8th September, celebrating the South American nation's rich cultural offering. The prestigious Somerset House was a Tudor palace once occupied by Elizabeth I, and will be a perfect location for the next Olympic host nation to receive the world's journalists, authorities and tourists who will be keen to enjoy the vibrancy of the Brazilian lifestyle and sneak a glimpse into what the 2016 Games may have in store. Somerset House's Courtauld Gallery will remain open to other events throughout the Olympic period. Map and nearby hotels. Map and nearby hotels.
Straightforward choice for Canadians
Canada House, 5 Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, SW1Y 5BJ
Tube: Charing Cross Station
Dates: 27th July to 12th August 2012
Canadian athletes need look no further than Canada House this summer, their home-from-home for the Olympic period. The Canadian Committee will take up residence in the centrally located Trafalgar Square building. Built in 1824, the Canadians have occupied the building since 1923 and it was a popular place for Canadian soldiers to socialise during WWII. The House continues to promote Canadian culture, and now functions as a diplomatic and public educational space. The House will be used as a central London base for the 300 Canadian athletes and their families, a place where relatives can receive support and assistance throughout their visit, leaving the competitors free to focus on bringing back the medals. Canada House will also be used for media and sponsor events, and as a place of celebration. During the Paralympics, Canada House will be relocated to the Bishopsgate Institute.. Map and nearby hotels.
Boutique home that comes with a Royal stamp of approval
The Pelham Hotel, 15 Cromwell Place, South Kensington, London, SW7 2LA
Tube: South Kensington Station
Dates: 23rd July to 13th August 2012
Rumoured to be considered by Kate Middleton for the royal wedding, the luxurious Pelham Hotel in Kensington will accommodate the Croatian Olympic team and committee for 22 days this summer. Croatia House has seen the nation book all 58 rooms at the boutique hotel - a considerable statement given the fact that a night in even the cheapest rooms at the Pelham cost more than the minimum monthly wage in Croatia. This is the sixth summer Olympics the country will be participating in and they will be hoping to take home a medal from one of the 16 sports they are competing in. Map and nearby hotels.
Footballers help pull in the crowds for the Czechs in Islington
Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 0QH
Tube: Angel Station
Dates: 27th July to 12th August 2012
The Czech Olympic Committee have chosen the Business Design Centre as their Olympic house for this summer's Games. The Islington exhibition centre hosts hundreds of events every year. Formerly Royal Agricultural Hall, the building was rescued and restored in the 1980s and now attracts over half a million visitors every year, so should be a great place for the Czech committee to attract a little public interest. Czech Republic House will host political, business events alongside public cultural and sporting functions. Hoping to promote Czech culture and develop their trade and tourism boards, there will be lots of media and commercial events, plus daily attractions and exhibitions. It has also been rumoured that the Czech Republic committee have signed up Petr Cech, the Chelsea goalkeeper, and Tomas Rosicky, the Arsenal midfielder, to make special appearances at the North London Business Design Centre. Map and nearby hotels.
Viking ship will fly the Danish flag at top riverside location
St Katharine Docks, Tower Bridge Approach, St Katharine's Way, Tower Hamlets, London, E1W 1TW
Tube: Tower Hill Station
Dates: 27th July to 12th August 2012
The Danes are setting out to show the world what they do best this summer, as Imagine Denmark takes over St Katherine Docks for the duration of the Games with an exciting lineup of events designed to promote this often overlooked country. An authentic Viking ship will be enlisted for exploring, fashion and design shows will showcase the best in cutting-edge Danish design and there will be plenty of food and drink on offer, plus demonstrations from a few of the countries top chefs. The Danes are having a bit of a moment in the world of fine-dining at present - the Copenhagen restaurant Noma was named The Best Restaurant in the World in 2010, 2011 and 2012 - so the snacks should certainly be worth sampling. All the action from the Games will be shown live on giant outdoor screens across the historic docklands, which can be traced back to the 10th Century, when King Edgar gave 13 acres of land to 13 Knights and let them use the land for trade. The years that followed saw the area develop into a thriving wharf, until the industrial revolution arrived and new purpose built docks took over. It now houses luxury yachts and commercial ventures, and will play a big part in the London 2012 Olympics. Map and nearby hotels.
Lavish expenditure for nation who missed out on hosting the Games
Old Billingsgate, 1 Old Billingsgate Walk, 16 Lower Thames Street, City, London, EC3R 6DX
Tube: Monument Station
Dates: 27th July to 12th August 2012
It looks as though the French are attending this year's Games all guns blazing - making up for Paris losing out to London in the bidding for the 2012 Games. According to the Times the French NOC has spent a massive 1.3 million pounds on securing the Old Billingsgate Market for their Olympic base, plus a whopping 500,000 euros on its refurbishment. The historic marketplace was one of the first venues to be snapped up and the French certainly appear to be making the most of the Thames-side City location. Apart from hosting the French Olympic team, media companies, live broadcasting and interviews there will also be something of a gastronomic flavour in the air at Old Billingsgate, with French pop-up restaurants, shops and merrymaking continuing into the early hours of the morning - while 'Club France' will give paying punters the chance to get close to the French medallists. France House will be open to public daily from 9am-7pm and there should be plenty to see and enjoy, the classic setting adding to the atmosphere. Until the 1980s Old Billingsgate was the world's largest fish market, the site is now used as an events venue and is conveniently located in the heart of the City. Map and nearby hotels.
Listed Edwardian house near Tate Britain for Georgians
45 Millbank, 45 Millbank at Chelsea College of Art and Design, , Westminster, London, SW1P 4RL
Tube: Pimlico Station
Dates: 27th July to 12th August 2012
While some countries are viewing their National Olympic Committee houses as social hubs in which they can celebrate the Olympic season, other countries are adopting a far less raucous attitude and keeping their doors closed to the general public. Georgia is one of the nations that is said to be using their NOC home as private centre in which officials can escape the chaos and enjoy a little VIP treatment. The Georgian Committee have chosen the grade II listed building, 45 Millbank, a restored Edwardian house just steps away from Tate Britain and the Thames. Previously used as a mill, a penitentiary prison and an army medical college, 45 Millbank is now part of the Chelsea College of Art and Design and will be inhabited by the Georgian officials for 21 days during the Olympics. Map and nearby hotels.
Double delight and much Bavarian spirit for Germans
Museum of London Docklands, No 1 Warehouse, West India Quay, Tower Hamlets, London, E14 4AL
Tube: Canary Wharf Station
Dates: 9th July to 16th September 2012
The Germans were quick off the mark in securing their official Olympic home-from-home. As the first committee to finalise plans they picked not one, but two unique and iconic London landmarks. The Museum of London Docklands and the 575ft five-star cruise liner MS Deutschland in the nearby West India Docks. Deutsches Haus wasn't alone in choosing the Museum of London as its preferred destination - and the building will also host The World Union of Olympic Cities (WUOC) for the duration of the Games. The organisation will take over the renovated Terrace Rooms and Garden and will act as a platform for member cities that have previously hosted or hope to host in the near future. Not to be overshadowed, Deutsches Haus is the largest ever corporate hire for the Museum, which will be closed from 9th July until 16th September in order to accommodate them. With something of an Oktoberfest vibe rumoured to be in the pipeline, visitors can get into the Bavarian spirit with the help of German beers, bratwursts and pretzels. There will also be a chance to brush shoulders with the medal-winners at the Deutsches Haus Fan Fest meet and greet.Map and nearby hotels.
Stratford shopping centre hub for host nation
One Stratford Place, Westfield Stratford City, Olympic Park, London, E15 1XA
Tube: Stratford Station
Dates: 1st January to 9th September 2012
As Olympic fever spreads across the city this summer, Team GB have set up camp on the eighth floor of the shiny new complex, One Stratford Place in Westfield Stratford City. This is part of one of the largest and most ambitious regeneration projects ever undertaken in the UK and just one feature in the huge new commercial and leisure district currently transforming East London. The 10-storey building sits at the end of the pedestrian footbridge leading to the Olympic Park, and has been partly occupied by Team GB since January, with over 21,500 sq ft reserved exclusively by the British Committee. Sadly, it will be strictly off limits to the public, reserved for officials, athletes and their friends and family. The team will host press conferences from this base, with every British medallist expected to come through a press conference at some point. The venue is in prime position for the Olympic Park and has great access to the rest of the city and beyond through the purpose-built Stratford transport hub. With the volume of visitors expected in the city this summer, it will be a case of all hands on deck as many London venues are enlisted to host official events. Lancaster House will assist in wooing potential investors, and the Grosvenor House Hotel will host the official Olympic Ball later in the year. Map and nearby hotels.
Palatial beer hall, Heineken on tap and lots of orange
Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, Wood Green, London, N22 7AY
Tube: Bounds Green Station
Dates: 26th July to 12th August 2012
The Netherlands Olympic Committee have given cash-strapped Alexandra Palace a welcome boon by making the Victorian hilltop landmark of North London its official hospitality house for the London Olympics. Dubbed 'Holland Heineken House' thanks to sponsorship from the famous beer brand, the Dutch home will effectively see the 'People's Palace' transformed into an enormous beer hall decked out in the trademark orange of the Netherlands (visitors must be 18 or over and carrying identification). A giant screen in the main hall will show all the medal ceremonies for Dutch athletes plus broadcast all the Olympic action live. There will also be various shops, cafes and restaurants, reception rooms for sponsors, athlete and media facilities and an information desk - plus the surrounding park will be incorporated into the festivities. Holland House will show both the opening and closing ceremonies too - as well as stay open until the early hours for late-night dancing and celebrations. It's probably fair to say that of all the NOC venues in London, Holland House at Alexandra Palace will probably be one of the most fun - if beer-soaked carnivals are your cup of tea.
King's Cross nightclub for fun-loving Ireland
The Big Chill Bar, Dray Walk, off Brick Lane, Spitalfields, London, E1 6QL
Tube: Shoreditch Underground
Dates: 27th July to 12th August 2012
Ireland initially struggled to secure a venue to house their Olympic party, with early hopes being pinned on Camden's Roundhouse. But the luck of the Irish was with them and they managed to snare a central venue in The Big Chill House, just a stone's throw from King's Cross St Pancras (and its Javelin train to the Olympic Park). The Big Chill is certainly one of the more lively venues chosen by a nation's committee, but this is an Irish celebration, and the loud and busy music bar seems to fit the bill. The Big Chill organisers have a long track record of producing great live music events and festivals. Entertainment at Irish House will come in the form of large screens (broadcasting until 2am), traditional Irish music and nightly secret performances from musicians, actors and comedians. Other possibilities include a plan to deck out the bar in the style of Father Ted character, Mrs Doyle's living room. The Irish House will also be an out-of-competition base for Irish athletes and their families. With a warm and welcoming attitude at the forefront, the Irish Olympic House promises to be a place where everyone can visit and enjoy a little easy-going Irish hospitality, with plenty of Guinness and a BBQ on the sunny south facing roof terrace. Map and nearby hotels.
Models and cars in the shadow of Big Ben
The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, , Westminster, London, SW1P 3EE
Tube: Westminster Station
Dates: 27th July to 12th August 2012
Beautiful Italian models and trademark FIAT cars will be on display as Italy make the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster their base for the London Olympics. Italy have reportedly spent £1.1 million to transform the QEII in the shadow of Big Ben into the Casa Italia hospitality hub this summer. Chosen because of its superb views over Westminster and the Thames, plus its proximity to the Olympic traffic lanes to the Olympic Park, QEII is expected to be used as a platform to help promote Rome's forthcoming bid to host the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. Besides the models (men, women and cars), some of Italy's most popular products (including food and wine) will be on display in a special "Made in Italy" expo (open to the general public) on one of the six floors of the massive Conference Centre. Besides being a media hub for the Italians during the Games, the QEII Casa Italia will also boast a performance centre for Italian artists and performers, plus a special VIP zone for high-profile guests. Map and nearby hotels.
Red Stripe and the fastest man on earth at The O2
The O2, Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0DX
Tube: North Greenwich Station
Dates: 24th July to 20th October 2012
The O2 will come alive to the sound of reggae this summer after the Jamaica National Olympic Committee decided to change plans and choose the Greenwich venue as its national hospitality house during the London Olympics. Initial plans had been for Jamaica to host a special week-long Jamaica Festival in Finsbury Park, but this idea was scrapped because of escalating costs. Sponsored by the famous Red Stripe lager, Jamaica House at The O2 will provide a range of entertainment for guests of the nation - and there will be high hopes of celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jamaica a day after an expected victory for the world's fastest man Usain Bolt in the 100m final on 5th August. Coinciding with Jamaica's takeover of The O2, a Respect Jamaica 50 event will take place at both Proud2 and IndigO2 from 25 July to 6 August, featuring performances by Bob Marley's musician sons Stephen and Damian, the poet Benjamin Zephaniah and the reggae stars Shaggy, Maxi Priest and Lee 'Scratch' Perry. Robert Bryan, director of Jamaica 50, told The Times that he hoped the event would create "even more great Jamaican moments". With Bolt and his national rival Yohan Blake favourites in the 100m (and in Bolt's case, the 200m as well), expect Jamaica House to be where the party's at should things go to plan. Map and nearby hotels.
Prestigious Park Lane location for hopeful nation
No. 4 Hamilton Place, 4 Hamilton Place, Mayfair, London, W1J 7BQ
Tube: Hyde Park Corner Station
Dates: 27th July to 12th August 2012
The Japanese Olympic Committee have chosen No 4 Hamilton Place, an historic townhouse in Mayfair and home to the Royal Aeronautical Society, as Japan's hospitality base during the London Olympics this summer. Japan are said to have chosen No 4 Hamilton Place due to its prestigious Park Lane location in the heart of London overlooking Hyde Park and its proximity to the Olympic traffic lanes that run all the way to the Olympic Park. Little is known about what will take place at Japan House during the Games, with rumours suggesting that the venue will be closed to the public. But with Tokyo entering the race to host the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, Japan House will no doubt have a busy schedule of events organised for special high-profile guests and VIPs as Japan go on the charm offensive with other National Olympic Committees. Map and nearby hotels.
Historic club for 2018 Winter Olympics hosts
Royal Thames Yacht Club, 60 Knightsbridge, Hyde Park, London, SW1X 7LF
Tube: Knightsbridge Station
Dates: 24th July to 12th August 2012
The Royal Thames Yacht Club, the oldest continuously operating yacht club in the world, will be South Korea's hospitality base during the London Olympics this summer. It is thought that South Korea made their decision on the recommendation of sailing tycoon Sir Keith Mills, deputy chairman of London 2012. The prime Knightsbridge venue is a discus throw away from the International Olympic Committee Hotel and, perhaps crucially for many prospective VIPs (and their wives), just across the road from Harvey Nichols. Korea House will no doubt be a popular destination during the Games following the decision earlier this year to award the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics to Pyeongchang. Keen to impress, Korea have just the ticket with their impressive choice of venue, which boasts a dining room overlooking Hyde Park, oak-panelled interiors, several event spaces, cabins and a nautical history collection accumulated over several centuries. It is thought that Korea will provide a mixture of private hospitality and a public exhibition about Korean life during the Games. Map and nearby hotels.
Imported beer and an outdoor BBQ near King's Cross
Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, Holborn, London, N1C 4AA
Tube: Holborn Station
Dates: 25th July to 13th August 2012
The new King's Cross home of Central Saint Martins art college will be transformed into Kiwi House during the London Olympics after New Zealand snapped up the One Granary Square building as its hospitality hub during the Games. Kiwi House will be centred in the college's Lethaby Gallery and will also offer an outdoor space with a BBQ. Live entertainment will run throughout the Games, with a range of New Zealand-style food being dished up by a top Kiwi chef. New Zealanders will feel at home with specially imported Moa beer and the whole venue will be open to the public as well as athletes and officials from the New Zealand Olympic Committee. What's more, the location is just a short walk from the Javelin Train terminal at St Pancras, which will deliver fans to the Olympic Park in less than seven minutes. Map and nearby hotels.
East End hub celebrating the best of Nigerian life and art
Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, London, E15 1BN
Tube: Stratford Station
Dates: 27th July to 12th August 2012
While the 53 African nations involved during the London Olympics have clubbed together to create a special Africa Village in Hyde Park, the Nigeria Olympic Committee are also running hospitality events at the Theatre Royal Stratford East during the Games. Nigeria House is predominantly a cultural festival celebrating the best of Nigerian life and art, with the culture of the west African nation being promoted against a backdrop of the nation's athletes competing for glory at the nearby Olympic Park. In a ground-breaking project entitled 30 Nigeria House, 30 new, emerging and existing UK-based artists of Nigerian descent and artists residing in Nigeria aged 18-35 have been awarded up to £3,000 to develop their work in the fields of theatre, dance, film, poetry and music. Map and nearby hotels.
Georgian townhouse for nation with high hopes
30 Pavilion Road, 30 Pavilion Road, Knightsbridge, , Knightsbridge, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 0HJ
Tube: Knightsbridge Station
Dates: 27th July to 12th August 2012
Romania will use 30 Pavilion Road, a splendid Georgian townhouse in Knightsbridge, as their hospitality base for the London Olympics. Located just across the park from the International Olympic Committee Hotel, The Hilton London Hyde Park, 30 Pavilion Road features a country-style décor with oak panelled rooms, marble flooring, eleven bedrooms, and a roof terrace. There are not many details available about Romania House and its scheduled events and activities, but Romania will be keen to make a good impression: the 2013 European Youth Olympic Festival will be held in the country and is thought to be a first step towards the country one day hosting the Youth Olympics or even the Winter Olympics. Map and nearby hotels.
Biggest ever showcase of Russian culture in London
Perks Field, Kensington Palace Gardens, Kensington, London, W8 4PX
Tube: High Street Kensington Station
Dates: 21st July to 19th August 2012
As can be expected from a country of such vast financial clout, Russia will have one of the most lavish hospitality bases for the London Olympics as Perks Field, next to Kensington Palace, becomes Russia Park this summer during the Games. Perks Field, a stretch of parkland adjoining the palace on the Notting Hill side of Kensington Gardens, will welcome Russian dignitaries and oligarchs for 17 days this summer. Open to the public too, the vast 10,000-square metre Russia Park will be the biggest ever showcase of Russian culture in London. Rented to the Russians by the Queen herself, the site will be transformed into a Russian cultural festival complete with a giant marquee, stage, bar and outdoor picnic area with parasols, performance areas and pavilions. Located near the Russian Embassy, the site will also feature traditional folk music and folk craft, regional dancing, Russian food stands, a giant screen to follow all the action, media facilities and an entrance for "very, very important persons"; there will also be sports classes from Russian athletes, past and present. Most impressive, however, is the "Megafon" multi-purpose sports zone containing a mini ice rink that converts to a football pitch, a snowboarding simulator, ice curling tracks and much more. Most unlike a nation fuelled by vodka, the Russia Park will be an alcohol-free zone. Russia Park will be complemented by the Sochi Showcase in nearby Kensington Gardens, which will look to promote the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. No expenses have been spared for the imperious 6,000-square metre Sochi Park, with a summer Ice Arena installed in front of the famous Albert Memorial for twice daily theatrical ice dance performances by the world's leading figure skaters. Entry to both Russia Park and Sochi Park is not free, however: early bird tickets will set you back £10, online tickets are £18 and tickets on the door £20 (concessions available). One ticket will allow you entry into both attractions, which are located about 15 minutes walk from one another. See www.russiasochipark.com for more details. Map and nearby hotels.
Low key celebrations for Serbs
Serbian Embassy, 28 Belgrave Square, Belgravia, London, SW1X 8QB
Tube: Hyde Park Corner Station
Dates: 27th July to 12th August 2012
Serbia are keeping things simple by choosing the Serbian Embassy as their National Olympic Hospitality House this summer. Little is known about what events will take place at the Belgrave Square venue near Knightsbridge - although Serbia will presumably be on their best behaviour following allegations ahead of the Games that one of their officials offered an undercover reporter from The Sunday Times 1,500 tickets for 80,000 pounds in cash. We'll update this entry with more information about Serbia House as soon as we get it. Map and nearby hotels.
Plush Pall Mall home for Slovakian NOC
Institute of Directors - IOD, 116 Pall Mall, St James's, London, SW1Y 5ED
Tube: Piccadilly Circus Station
Dates: 24th July to 17th August 2012
The entertainment and hospitality hub for Slovakia during the London Olympics will be housed at the Institute of Directors' lavish headquarters at 116 Pall Mall this summer. Slovak House will take over two of the 12 available event spaces, providing entertainment, business opportunities and a media hub for interviews and press conferences throughout the Olympics. Located within a minute of the designated Olympic traffic lanes and close to the London Live Sites at Hyde Park and Trafalgar Square, 116 Pall Mall should be the ideal setting to promote the brand of Slovakia during the Games. Map and nearby hotels.
Summer Ice Arena and special pavilion to promote 2014 Winter Olympics
Albert Memorial, Kensington Gardens, 27 Princes Square, South Kensington, London, W2 2NJ
Tube: South Kensington Station
Dates: 26th July to 12th August 2012
Bringing a winter wonderland to London at the height of summer (they may not need much help there), Sochi Park on the Albert Memorial Lawns in Kensington Gardens is Russia's unsparing effort to promote the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. Visitors will enter through an interactive pavilion which will take them on a digital trip through Russia to the snowy Krasnodar Mountains of Sochi. Organisers are promising a 4D experience involving virtual chairlift rides and skiing. The crowning glory of this extraordinary 6,000-square metre park is an Ice Arena installed in front of the famous Albert Memorial where two daily performances of an ice show entitled Sochi: Small Stories of a Big City will take place. Fifty artists including six Olympic champions and 18 world figure skating champions will perform one of the biggest ice spectaculars ever to be shown outside of Russia. (Tickets for the 95-minute performances tickets start at £15). For those wishing to take to the ice themselves, there is a smaller public rink at the nearby Russia Park in Perks Field by Kensington Palace. One ticket allows entry for both parks and costs £20 on the door (early bird £10, online £18). The Russians had originally intended to hold the Sochi Showcase on the other side of Hyde Park at Marble Arch but they were refused planning permission by Westminster council. The new prime location is arguably infinitely better as Russia looks to woo the world in the build up to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. For more information please visit www.russiasochipark.com.
Swiss painting the town red in Borough
Glaziers Hall, 9 Montague Close, , Bankside, London, SE1 9DD
Tube: London Bridge Station
Dates: 27th July to 12th August 2012
The House of Switzerland at Glaziers Hall near Borough Market will be one of the few National Olympic Hospitality Houses to be fully open to the public during the London Olympics. Overlooking the Thames with views of St Paul's Cathedral and the Gherkin, the swish conference centre and its surrounding area (including the Mug House bar, Southwark Cathedral's Millennium Courtyard and the Refectory Restaurant) will be transformed into a vibrant Red Zone. The very best of Swiss culture, cuisine and business creativity will be on display - including an intriguing interactive politics-based game based on Switzerland's fabled diplomacy skills. Tennis great Roger Federer will be on hand to welcome guests in the evenings, with traditional English pubs being decked out like rustic Swiss chalets and a nightclub which stays open until 2am. Anton Mosimann, the Michelin-starred Swiss chef, has prepared a set menu that will be available during the day. There will also be a range of open-air concerts, films, food, special events including a celebration of Swiss National Day on 1st August, and an artist-led project for kids called The House of Fairy Tales. All the Olympic action will be broadcast live on a giant screen in a courtyard which should be painted red both literally and metaphorically. All in all, the Swiss have clearly put in a huge effort - and their hospitality base looks certain to be one of the go-to destinations of the Games. Map and nearby hotels.
Total theatre takeover to celebrate 50 years of freedom
Tricycle Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Road, London, NW6 7JR
Tube: Kilburn Station
Dates: 23rd July to 25th August 2012
The Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn has cancelled all stage productions during the Olympics and instead welcomes the Trinidad & Tobago National Olympic Committee for the duration of the Games. For five weeks this summer, the Tricycle Theatre will become Trinidad & Tobago Village, showcasing all aspects of Trinidad & Tobago culture with the national delegation having carte blanche in all programming at the theatre, cinema and gallery. A presentation of static and interactive exhibits will explore many key cultural elements of Trinidad & Tobago including cuisine, art, craft and photography, fashion, carnival displays, music (including steel pan), literature, film, trade and industry and tourism. The month-long Trinidad & Tobago Village will culminate in a performance of the acclaimed play Mass Carib (by Felix Cross, Artistic Director of Nitro) on 25th August to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the twin island Republic's gaining independence. The diverse programme will be a mixture of free and ticketed events. Map and nearby hotels.
McDonald's and Budweiser in arty location
Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London, SW7 2EU
Tube: Gloucester Road Station
Dates: 15th July to 22nd August 2012
The prestigious Royal College of Art in Kensington has been chosen as a base by the United States Olympic Committee during the London Olympics. Located next to the Royal Albert Hall, the 1960s Grade II listed building (which counts Sir David Hockney, Sir James Dyson, Tracey Emin and Sir Ridley Scott amongst its alumni) will host athletes, staff, sponsors and officials during the summer - opening its doors to around 1,000 VIPs a day. USA House will (predictably) boast a Budweiser Bar and a McDonald's Coffee Bar as well as opportunities for youngsters of invited guests to take part in interactive sporting demonstrations. The venue will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and is expected to become the base for a number of past American Olympians. USA House will also act as Team USA's main media hub for the duration of the Games, with giant screens broadcasting the action live and American medallists making appearances alongside their families. Map and nearby hotels.
Stratford base aiming to "bring Kenya to London"
East Thames Community Centre, 29-35 West Ham Lane, London, E15 4PH
Tube: Stratford Station
Dates: 27th July to 12th August 2012
Kenya may be renowned for its long-distance runners, but guests, officials and VIPs at Kenya House during the London Olympics will not have far to travel after the Kenyan Olympic Committee chose the East Thames Community Centre as their base for the Games. Strategically located less than 10 minutes walk from the Olympic Stadium, the Stratford venue will act as a hospitality stop to showcase both economic and cultural stalls, as well as commercial stands set up by private companies behind the Kenyan Olympic push. Although Kenya is also one of the 53 nations to be represented at Africa House in Kensington Gardens, the Kenyan NOC was keen to have a separate hub with an objective of "Bringing Kenya to London" to showcase its rich cultural heritage and the economic strides the nation has made over the past decade. Rooftop facilities will be used for open-air interviews with athletes during the day and turned into a concert space in the evenings, where visitors can sip Kenyan beers and listen to Kenyan music and entertainment. The kitchens will serve up traditional Kenyan food and there will be a strong emphasis on community spirit throughout the Games.
London hotels
If you are a guest attending events at any of the Olympic Houses and are looking to book a London hotel, we have put together a unique HotelMap. This map actually connects to each hotel's reservation system showing you live availability to ensure that you always get the best special offer deals. The prices shown on HotelMap are per room and you will always pay the hotel directly, usually on check-out.
EDITOR
Sophie Wallace
30th June 2012
IN THIS ARTICLE
-
Olympic National Hospitality Houses
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
RELATED ARTICLES
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
London Hotels
From cheap budget accommodation to luxury 5 star hotels see our special offers for hotels, including Radisson Blu Edwardian Hampshire Hotel from 73% off.
-