During each Olympics, a variety of countries set up Hospitality Houses to highlight their culture and food, entertain their athletes and VIPs, and just have a place to cheer on their teams. The “houses” (in their non-Olympic days) are restaurants, meeting halls, business centers, etc. Many of the houses are open to the general public while some others are used solely for VIPs.
At the 2012 London Olympics, the houses are located all over the city for your enjoyment. Those that are open to the general public will host activities that include TV coverage of the medal ceremonies (or even have their own ceremony), cultural exhibitions, concerts, food, and evening parties. Each house will have their own requirements for entry, such as an entry fee, photo id/passport proof of residency, and/or specific times for general public visits.
Take a trip around the world on the streets of London at these Olympic Hospitality Houses. Unless otherwise stated, most of the houses are open July 28 – August 12.
Africa House at Kensington Gardens 53 National Olympic Committees of Africa will be hosted here. It will showcase the culture, art, and sport of Africa. Tube: Lancaster Gate, Queensway ALBA House – Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Venezuela Bolivar Hall The ALBA House will promote Latin American culture and diversity through a free program of music, dance and film. Tube: Warren Street Austrian House at Trinity House An area in the front of the ‘house’ will be open to the general public, to watch the games and experience a taste of Austrian culture. Tube: Tower Hill/Tower Gateway (DLR) Train: Fenchurch Street Belgian House at Inner Temple in the City of London Tube: Temple or London Blackfriars Casa Brazil at Somerset House Filled with Brazilian culture to start preparing you for the Summer Olympic Games in Rio in 2016! Open July 21 – September 8 Tube: Covent Garden/Temple/Holborn/Embankment Czech House at Business Design Centre in Islington Daily events and exhibitions promoting the country’s region, economy, and culture. Tube: Angel & King’s Cross St Pancras Train: King’s Cross St Pancras Denmark House at St Katherine Docks Danish culture, food, demos, chefs, fashion, designer shoes, and a Viking ship! Plus live Olympic coverage on big outdoor screen Tube: Tower Gateway, Null French Olympic Village at Old Billingsgate Live broadcasts, interviews with athletes, restaurant and shop. Public hours: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Tube: Tower Hill or Monument Georgia House at 45 Millbank (next to Tate Britain ) A small country with big plans for celebration! Tube: Pimlico Train: Vauxhall or Victoria German House at Museum of Docklands Featuring a Deutsche Haus Fan Fest and a museum that will host the special exhibition: Londinium Tube: Canary Wharf (DLR) Holland Heineken House at Alexandra Palace Medal ceremonies for Dutch athletes, performances, a shop, café and restaurant, evening music – this place is one enormous party. Please review the web site for admission guidelines. Hours: 10:30 am – 2:00 am Tube: Wood Green (Piccadilly Line) – cross road to bus stop A and take W3 bus to Palace. Rail: Alexandra Palace Irish House at Big Chill House in Kings Cross (Pentonville Rd) Watch games, listen to traditional Irish music and experience other live entertainment. Train: King’s Cross Thameslink, National Railway Italian House (“Casa Italia”) at The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Center Close to London Eye and Westminster Abbey, this house features an exhibition of Italy’s most popular products including food and wine with performances by Italian artists. Tube: Westminster Train: Victoria Kiwi House at One Granary Square in the Central Street Martins Building A black and white themed bar, live entertainment, Kiwi BBQ, flat white coffee from New Zealand café Allpress Espresso, and Hildon Water. There is an entry fee of £5 per day, but it’s well worth it. Limited capacity. Tube: King’s Cross Rail: London St Pancras Russia – Sochi Park at Kensington Gardens Entertainment, culture, big screen tv, plus information about the upcoming Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014! Entrance fee required. Tube: Lancaster Gate, Queensway Switzerland House at Glaziers Hall (near Borough Market); Plus Mug House and Southwark Cathedral’s Refectory Outdoor public area for cultural events and performances. Tube: London BridgeAnd remember…
- Cadbury is an Olympic sponsor and they will erect a purple inflatable structure in Hyde Park as its base for the London 2012 Games. Cadbury House is comprised of three inflatable domes, each housing a different Cadbury experience. Also enjoy a garden, hospitality area, and bandstand.
- The House of Chocolate is part of the BT London Live experience. Chocolate will be in abundance!
HowDoYouDo.com is your source for great tips on enjoying the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
