In addition to Glaziers Hall, the neighbouring Mug House bar and Southwark Cathedral's·Millennium Courtyard space and public restaurant The Refectory will also form an integral·part of the House of Switzerland, the country's Embassy in London revealed.

The total space will feature a number of versatile and flexible·sites for exhibitions, conferences, a VIP lounge, restaurant and bar, working spaces for·media and lounge areas for athletes as well as fans.

An outside area will be used for·cultural events, performances and medal ceremonies of Swiss athletes, making it one of the few foreign teams whose base will be open to the public during the Olympics.

The venue will also be the location for the TV studio of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation.

The original Glaziers Hall in Fye Foot Lane was destroyed during the Great Fire of London in 1666 and not relocated for another 300 years.

The present home, which was built in 1808 as a warehouse, adjoins London Bridge and the so-called 'Nancy Steps' made famous by Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist.

The design and branding of the indoor as well as outside areas will be tastefully adapted to·the House of Switzerland concept and displayed in Swiss colours in order to portray the·image of a fresh, modern and versatile Switzerland, officials said.

The history of the House of Switzerland dates back to 1998, when the inaugural venue opened its doors at the Winter Olympic Games in Nagano.

Swiss athletes, the official delegations as well as fans met in the House of Switzerland and enjoyed their common enthusiasm for sports.

Since then, the House of Switzerland has developed from a regulars' table to a comprehensive platform for Switzerland's communication abroad.

"We are delighted to be in partnership with our neighbours and with the people of Switzerland during the 2012 Olympics," said Canon Andrew Nunn, acting·Dean of Southwark.

"This will be an exciting time for all the people of London and we look forward to welcoming people of all nations to the cathedral in the spirit of the Olympic Movement.

"We hope that our international and domestic visitors will feel that they can use·Southwark Cathedral as a special place of prayer and peace during these important events and throughout the year."

Switzerland are the fifth country to confirm their base for London 2012.

The first country to announce a deal was Brazil, who are to base themselves at Somerset House.

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