The Czech House takes over an architectural marvel in presenting this London 2012 Olympic attraction. We’ll be live-blogging from Czech House, plus we’ve got all the essential info you need to plan your visit below.
Live Blog
Monday, 6 August
7:00pm Indie band Please The Trees, a four piece outfit from Prague who have made the journey to London, are about to take the stage.
7:14pm For those that need convincing to get down to Czech house, not only will Please The Trees play here again tomorrow night at 7:30, but Canadian and Polish TV are both calling this the best country house. The Canadians went as far as to say it had “the most entertaining programme, the best beer and the most beautiful women!” High praise indeed.
7:40 Please The Trees are a bit folk, with sonic tones. The influence of Neil Young and maybe Mogwai are all relevant. Certainly a powerful new indie vibe to their start. Not the kind of rough indie of the Cribs and Libertines era, a bit heavier, closer to rock, a bit Gaslight Anthem like maybe? Although when the instruments really kick in they are suddenly powerful. Sonic is definitely the word. Deep Eastern European vocals. Surprisingly enjoyable, instrumentally fantastic and it’s certainly packing a punch. Definitely 70s rock vibes and influence, and definitely worth a fiver alongside one of the biggest country houses and we’re not too busy here, plenty of space to sit down. A touch Sigur Ros, too. Originally two separate acts, one an instrumental band, it’s no surprise to see the instruments and the music the real emphasis in the act. A decent set, sticking around long enough to keep the crowd interested without boring them and depriving them of too much big screen Olympics.
Wednesday, 1 August
1:37 p.m. All tickets for the Czech House are sold out for the day. Make sure you check back tomorrow for more details.
12:43 We’re trying to bring you the latest on the tickets for sale at the Czech House. You can buy a maximum of two per person, with no guarantees about which sports you’ll get or what the seat quality will be. Also, you must be a resident of an EC country, and be able to prove it. Reportedly, however, there are only about 55 to 60 for sale today. Queues started as early as 7am today, and there are still people waiting outside, while a group ahead of them is now waiting inside. Judging by the size of the crowd, it’s likely that some of those in line will not even get tickets, so best to try your luck again tomorrow.
11:30am Back at Czech House again, where there is a long queue of people waiting outside to buy the very few tickets the Czechs are selling. But if you’re willing to skip the line and come inside, there is a lot to see. In addition to cheaper beer than many other houses, the Czechs also have a restaurant with an impressive (if slightly pricey) menu. The whole set-up of their main hall remains very impressive, and don’t miss the mechanical London “bus with arms” outside!
Tuesday, 31 July
6:50 p.m. Right now it’s more dancing and another Olympian interview, a shooter. There’s more star quality here in comparison to the other houses. Petr Cech came through last night. If only I wasn’t here alone I could play pool or table football as they have a lot of tables on offer too.

6:15 p.m. Not sure what channel it is, but the Czechs seem to be broadcasting live to the Czech Republic from here. Now  a few dancers have come on stage, and everyone is interested, unlike the other houses. Plus only two screens have been blocked by it, and the multiple others have carried on showing the Games. Nice! I’m sure it’s interesting if you like interpretive dance but I just think it looks like graceful falling over. At this moment, they’re interviewing one of their Olympians. Judo maybe? I don’t know this language. Not a surprise, I only speak English.

5:55 p.m. It’s certainly the wrong time of day for the northern line. Everyone’s packed like sardines after a few delays, but once you get into the Czech House it will feel worthwhile. It’s blooming lovely in here, definitely worth £5 from your pocket. There’s a basketball court straight in front of your entrance but I’m too rusty to get involved in front of these tall people who are all quite good. Up the stairs into the real fan zone and it’s mightily impressive. And £4 a pint is better than a lot of places. Pilsner here, Heineken everywhere else. If you don’t fancy a seat at a table, you can watch some Olympic action lying on a bean bag, sitting on the floor or in a beach chair. The Czech House has Xbox’s and more screens showing the Games than I’ve seen anywhere else.

Need-to-know
Where is it: Business Design Centre, Islington

Nearest tube: Angel (Northern Line)

Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10am to 12am, Sunday: 10am – 10pm

Cost: Entry to the Czech House costs £5

Watching the Games:  20 large screens will be showing highlights from the Games

Highlights: Special guest appearances including footballer Petr Cech and the World’s fastest man Usain Bolt. Concerts from Czech bands. Some 3×3 basketball tournaments.