National Hospitality Houses for London 2012

The first-ever Africa House will be based in Kensington Gardens during London 2012. All 53 National Olympic Committees of Africa will come together in the house, which will showcase culture, art and sport from across the continent. Each evening, Africa's Olympic medal winners will head to the House to celebrate and meet fans.

Based at Trinity House in the heart of the City, Austria House will host VIPs, media and athletes. The historic venue is the headquarters of maritime institution the General Lighthouse Authority. 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 Belgian House will be located at Inner Temple in the City of London. During the Games, supporters will be able to meet athletes from the Belgian Olympic Team. One of four Inns of Court (professional bodies for barristers and judges), Inner Temple dates back to the 12th century and The Da Vinci Code movie was filmed there.

Somerset House will be home to Casa Brasil, the official Brazilian house. With Rio following London as the next host for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2016, this will be a big focal point during London 2012. Filled with Brazilian culture, Casa Brasil will be the perfect place to celebrate the country's sporting success.

The Czech Republic will take over the Business Design Centre in Islington for the Czech House in 2012. The perfect destination for lovers of Czech sport and culture, Czech House will have daily events and exhibitions promoting the country's regions, economy and culture, and some of these will be open to the public.

Denmark will take over St Katherine Docks for Imagine Denmark, a series of events promoting the country. There'll be Danish food and drink, demos by top Danish chefs, a chance to explore a real Viking ship, Danish fashion and design shows, and live Olympic coverage on a big outdoor screen. 27 Jul-12 Aug

For a taste of France during London 2012, head to Old Billingsgate, where the French Olympic Village will host the French Olympic Team and French media companies. There'll be live broadcasts of events, interviews with athletes, plus restaurants and shops. The French House will be open to the public from 9am to 7pm.

The German House will be based in the Museum of London Docklands, and on a five-star cruise liner, MS Deutschland, in nearby West India Docks. German fans will be able to celebrate together at the Deutsches Haus Fan Fest, and the museum will host a special exhibition, Londinium 2012.

Established 20 years ago, Holland House is well-known as one of the best venues for hospitality during the Games. For London 2012, Holland House will be located in Alexandra Palace and the surrounding park. Expect a huge celebration of Dutch culture and achievements with big screens showing the Olympic action. 26 Jul-12 Aug

Enjoy some Irish hospitality at the Big Chill House in Kings Cross. The lively bar and music venue will host the Irish House, where you can watch the Games on large screens, listen to traditional Irish music and experience great live entertainment. The Irish House will also be an out-of-competition base for Irish athletes and their supporters.

Casa Italia, the Italian House, will be based at The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, close to attractions such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the EDF Energy London Eye. There'll be an exhibition featuring some of Italy's most popular products (including food and wine) and a performance centre for Italian artists.

Located next to Kensington Gardens and Kensington Palace, Russia Park will be the official Russian House during the London 2012 Games. There'll be exciting entertainment and culture, a big screen, media facilities, a conference centre and a chance to meet some of Russia's sporting heroes.

Glaziers Hall near Borough Market will host the House of Switzerland. The building and surrounding area will be transformed into a vibrant Red Zone, with concerts, films, Swiss food, special events including a celebration of Swiss National Day on 1 August, and an artist-led project for children called The House of Fairy Tales. 20 Jul-12 Aug