Bikes and beer will be on display at the Belgium House, as two big cycling nations come together for this free London 2012 Olympic attraction. We’ll be live-blogging updates from the Belgian country house, plus we’ve got all the essential information for you to plan your visit below:

Live Blog

Saturday, 11 August

3:12 pm 5 minute queues at the Belgium House. Most people are chilling out in the gardens taking in the sun, and others are watching the men’s football final on the big screen. A good time to visit, queues have been much longer throughout the week.

Friday, 10 August

6:15 pm Belgium House has a live jazz band on tonight. If you fancy it, get down there well in advance of the 10pm start as the Belgians hit capacity twice last weekend, and that was at around 7:30pm on the Saturday from what I have been told. So if you want to chill with the Belgians and take in the tones of “The Esquire Swing Quartet” then heed our advice and aim for an early evening start. The jazz group means the usual house DJ set is delayed until 1am, with the 2am closing time applying as normal.

Some bad news coming in about Sunday. The Belgians had planned to show the closing ceremony, but this seems to have changed and Belgium House will now be ending its time in the UK at around 4pm, as the marathon ends. That means tomorrow night is your last chance to spend time with the Belgians!

Like we’ve said before, and even more so considering its the last hurrah, things will be busy. Get down nice and early to avoid disappointment, maybe take a look at the free Cycling Paradise before it closes at 7pm. Expect even more revelry than normal, the DJ will kick off the party at 10pm, but the whole night will really be a party with drinks flowing and the Olympics going out with a bang. You can also expect a visit from the Borlee brothers, two of Belgium’s favourite athletes!

Wednesday, 1 August

15:45 It’s a great day to come and enjoy the weather with a good beer at the Belgium House! It costs £5 for a day pass. Once you’re in, you can buy tokens (1 token=£1.25). Up for a brew? A small beer will cost you 2 tokens (£2.50) and a large beer will cost you 4 tokens (£5). Enjoy your drink in a Belgian-themed garden, or if you’re feeling more cultural you, take a look at a little Belgian art.

Friday, 27 July

12:55 It’s rather nice here, secluded and pretty, very suitable for Belgium. Tokens are available for purchase of drink and food, and these are through payment on credit and debit card only. It’s £1.25 per token (1.56 euros), and I’ve been told the beers are one per token. (Update, 31 July: The staff member was wrong — turns out it’s £5 a beer. But to be fair, his English was not great and I speak made up French.)
We wouldn’t recommend a bike ride after a few beers, but perhaps a virtual ride is ok. And I’ve just biked through Brussels without ever leaving London, one of the eleven virtual tours available at the Belgian Cycling Paradise. Belgium have equipped themselves beautifully, I can certainly recommend a trip here.

Need-to-know

Where is it: Middle Temple, Crown Office Row

Nearest tube: Temple Station

Hours: 11am to 2am daily. Belgian Cycling Paradise will run from 11am to 7pm.

Cost: Entry to Belgium House costs £5 but access to the Belgian Cycling Paradise is free.

Watching the Games: It is unclear if the public can watch the games at this venue.

Highlights: An array of stalls selling Belgian beer and food. Virtual cycling and medals from the 1948 Olympics on display as part of the Belgian Cycling Paradise interactive exhibition, with a chance to win a trip to Belgium. Meet athletes fresh from the podium.

Restrictions: Tickets must be purchased on site. No reservations can be made.