At the very end of the summer on 20.9.2023, His Excellency the British Ambassador Matt Field and his wife Martina visited Mariánské Lázně. In front of the Cross Spring Pavilion, the Ambassador was welcomed by the Mayor of the town Martin Hurajčík, Andrew Dennison, a Briton who has lived in Mariánské Lázně for many years, and the UNESCO site manager Zuzana Stejskalová. They presented him with flowers, a gift in the form of a porcelain tea service of the regionally important Thun brand and a special edition of Marie'n'bad Gin from Landcraft with a personal dedication.
After the welcome, the guests stopped for a small refreshment at the Edward Café on the Maxima Gorky Colonnade, where they discussed the rich history of Mariánské Lázně. The Ambassador and his spouse then embarked on a walk in beautiful sunny weather, which included a visit and tasting of the springs at the Cross Spring Pavilion, a stroll past the Singing Fountain, the Memorial to the Liberation of the City by the American Army, to the sculpture of Franz Joseph I and Edward VII in front of the Bohemia Hotel. During this tour of the town, the Ambassador was introduced to all the healing resources that Marienbad has to offer, including the climate, which has recently been added as the latest in a complete foursome. There was also the famous visitors and the attributes of the town, which will make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021 along with other European spas. At the end of the city tour, guests admired the architecture of several important spa houses designed by architect Arnold Heyman.
The Ambassador then headed to the Bohemia Healing Marienbad Waters mineral water bottling plant, where the history and operation of the bottling plant was presented and guests had the opportunity to sample various mineral waters.
At noon, the distinguished visitor was welcomed by representatives of Ensana at the Nové Lázně Hotel. The hotel director Veronika Smutná and manager Jan Katina showed the guests around the hotel and showed them the famous royal cabin of King Edward VII of England and the Casino Ballroom. Guests then enjoyed a sumptuous three-course lunch in the hotel restaurant. The afternoon continued with a visit to the Fryderyk Chopin Primary School of Arts, where the Ambassador met the school's headmaster, Mr. Petr Cech, and its talented pupils, who prepared a short musical programme and presented the Ambassador with their latest CD recording.
His Excellency Matt Field's working trip ended with a visit to the Roman Baths. After the day's programme, the Ambassador and his wife said goodbye and returned to Prague. This visit was not only an important business event but also an opportunity to strengthen cultural and historical ties between the UK and Marienbad.