Details are being finalised with Westminster Council and will require planning permission. The Olympic ‘houses’ are used for parties and trade missions during the Olympics. Russia House has achieved a reputation for the best parties since the Turin winter Olympics of 2006.

The mood is enhanced by the chic designs of the Olympic clothing designed for the Russian team by the Bosco de Ciliegi fashion house which has turned the gear from winter ski jackets to summer shirts into a best seller with specialist boutiques in Russian malls.

Executives at Russia House travel and trade promotion agency in London are a little bemused. The British-owned company has been in business since 1970 and is keen to play its role during the London summer Olympics in 2012.