Four Fascinating Olympic Houses across London

The 2012 London Olympics is proving to be a joy for local and international visitors alike, and a large number of participating nations have set up Olympic Houses to showcase the best their country has to offer in terms of culture as well as sporting talent.

London Booster, Olympics 2012 by Saltdeanbeach

Here is a look at four of the many National Hospitality Houses that can be founding London during the 2012 Olympic Games:

Czech Republic House

This National Olympic House, situated at Islington’s Business Design Centre, has done an exceptional job of representing the finest in Czech culture. The House boasts an array of entertainment options, including an indoor basketball court and live performances from some of the country’s most popular bands. The restaurant serves traditional Czech dishes like goulash, and the House showcases some fine examples of Czech art and photography. One of the biggest draw-cards attracting Olympic visitors to this National House has undoubtedly been the installation by Czech sculptor David Cerny; it takes the form of a red double-decker bus with robotic “arms” that allow it to perform push-ups!

The Czech House has attracted an average of 4000 visitors a day during the Olympics, proving that even a small nation can celebrate the Olympic spirit in a really big way.

Italy House

The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London has been serving as the venue for Italy’s Olympic National Hospitality House. This Olympic House, “Casa Italia”, is a hub of gorgeous Italian cars and fashion models. The venue offers beautiful views of the river Thames and Westminster, and the public has been treated to a “Made in Italy” expo, featuring the most exquisite Italian products, including national cuisine and wine. This display of national hospitality reportedly cost Italy around £1.1 million – an investment that will certainly pay off should Rome win the upcoming bid to host the 2020 Olympic Games!

Jamaica House

As the home of celebrated sprinter Usain “Lightning” Bolt, Jamaica is one proud Olympic nation, and where better to showcase national spirit and talent than the massive O2 Arena? Jamaica House has been bringing this London venue alive with the sounds of traditional reggae music, in celebration not only of the Olympics but also the nation’s 50th year of independence! Musical performances and Jamaican comedy events have all been a part of the National House’s offerings, and guests are also encouraged to visit “Messenger – the Bob Marley Exhibition”, a tribute to the legendary Jamaican musician that will be on display at the O2 until late October.

Needless to say, this National Hospitality Olympic House was the site of great joy and celebration following Jamaica’s success in the 200m final!

Team GB House

It’s hardly surprising that one of the most exclusive Olympic Houses of 2012 has been that of the host nation, Great Britain. The Team GB House can be found right at the heart of the Olympic action – on the eighth floor of One Stratford Place, situated in the “gateway” to the Olympic Park, namely Westfield Stratford City. Unlike its international counterparts, this Olympic House is not open to the public, but is rather a retreat for the UK’s Olympic athletes, their friends and family, and Olympic officials. It’s also been the site of the team’s press conferences.

There are dozens of other Olympic Houses waiting to be explored before the Games draw to a close, so if you’re in London, be sure to get out and about and experience international culture, cuisine and talent!

Nicky Warner is an enthusiastic blogger who is keen to visit as many of these Olympic Houses as possible while she’s lucky enough to be staying in a central London property.

Tags: 2012 london olympics, 2012 olympic games, czech art, czech culture, double decker bus, elizabeth ii conference centre, hospitality house, indoor basketball court, italian cars, national cuisine, olympic spirit, olympic visitors, olympics 2012, push ups, queen elizabeth ii, queen elizabeth ii conference centre, river thames

Category: Cities, Cities