Britta Kutz, Area General Manager in IHG Hotels & Resorts in Poland and General Manager at the InterContinental Warsaw, has been living here for over 3 years. She shares her journey, experiences and thoughts on culture, people and food.
You have a rich experience in living and working abroad…
I was born in Cologne, but when I was 20, I already lived in London. Later I worked in Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia and then came back to Europe. Before moving to Poland, I spent 5 years in Düsseldorf.
How did Poland appear on your map?
Warsaw was actually on my wish list! I came here once for a general managers’ conference at the InterContinental. I liked the hotel immediately! And then I liked the city and the people. I remember I went home and said to my husband that this was a place I would consider going to in the future and he agreed that if an opportunity came up, I would say yes. 3 years later that opportunity arrived.
What did you like most about Warsaw?
I could see myself living here instantly. It’s open, mobile, and safe, which is great for my daughter, who was 12 at the time we moved. The atmosphere, the restaurants and people – it all seemed to fit perfectly. Warsaw also offers plenty of outdoor space, which suits our family lifestyle with our large dog, a Rhodesian Ridgeback. My first visits were in May and July, so the sunny weather painted a great first impression. Winters are a bit different, though. When people ask me what I think about Poles, I always joke – “The winter, or summer ones?” /laugh/ But the winter darkness takes its toll on everyone’s wellbeing, not just Poles and it’s quite similar in Germany, so it didn’t come as a shock.
And it’s been over 3 years…
We moved to Poland in September 2021. The first 3 months are always crazy – you focus on work and getting your new life in order, and only afterwards you can look closer at what’s outside. So, time flew and before I realized, Christmas was here and those big signs “Choinka” started to pop up everywhere. This was the first Polish word I learnt after the obligatory “dzień dobry” and “dziękuję”. This, and “Christmas ornaments” which is “bombki” /laugh/
Did you take Polish lessons?
I still do and I really enjoy it. I started to understand more, I’m learning a lot about the culture and it’s an excellent brain exercise. Some people ask why I bother since I might not need Polish after leaving. For me it’s about respect and connection really. When you live somewhere, you should at least make an effort, because you cannot really understand the culture without its language. When I lived in Thailand, I took Thai lessons as well. Now I can go to the restaurant and order my food in Polish or in Thai – I enjoy any opportunity to communicate, I would say in that regard I take after my mom. I remember when I was little, she would always stop to chat with people. Any excuse would do, whether it was someone’s cute baby or just accidental eye contact. I used to find it extremely annoying and now, I do it myself. /laugh/
Is it easy to do with Poles?
Poles mind their business and reserve their smiles for friends, but once they start talking to you, you’re not a complete stranger anymore, the seriousness is gone and all the warmth comes out. I like to look around when I’m on the streets and I have a way of connecting with people on a basic, human level, which leads me back to the reasons I take Polish lessons. While speaking Polish in Warsaw isn’t a necessity — you can manage just fine, even at the doctor’s office — it does become important if you want to truly connect within the community. I remember going shopping with my daughter once when a lady in the store asked me in Polish where she could find the flowers I had in my basket. I responded with gestures and English, but she turned and walked away without a word. My daughter felt offended at first, but I understood that the woman wasn’t being rude — she was just uncomfortable. The language barrier is real and it can be intimidating for both sides, even for locals. For me, not being able to engage in those little social interactions can be frustrating. That’s why I keep learning Polish, even though it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It’s worth it. Every word learned is a step closer to deeper connections.
You seem to really like Poles…
Absolutely! The people I’ve met here are incredibly respectful and friendly — genuinely kind, caring, and curious. And I love the Polish sense of humor – it’s right up my alley, very dry and witty! There are so many nuances in the way things are said to make them funny, and the language itself lets you speak with such politeness and elegance. I travelled a lot, I appreciate different cultures and mindsets. For me, feeling at home doesn’t mean finding a place that resembles Germany or any other place I hold dear. To be honest, I don’t think I’m all that German anymore! /laugh/ But the longer I live here, the more surprised I am with the similarities I find between Poland and Germany. Culturally, we’re quite close. We share common ground in religion, customs, and traditions. We love good food, sports, and spending time outdoors.
And what would be the biggest difference?
One thing that stands out to me in Poland, and that I really admire, is the sense of national pride. It’s incredible to see what has been accomplished here. Walking through Warsaw, you can feel the deep connection to its history — the resilience of the people who rebuilt the city after such challenging times — and how vibrant and alive it is today. It’s a constant reminder of how history shapes the present, and it’s inspiring to see that connection honored. In contrast, in Germany, there’s a more reserved approach to national pride. Even for those of us whose families, like mine, were fortunate to be on the right side of history, there’s still a sense of collective reflection on the past. It’s a noticeable cultural difference. For example, in Germany, widespread displays of the national flag are rare, except during events like the World Cup.
Your daughter is in high school?
Yes, she’s in an American school here in Warsaw.
German school duties are taken very seriously. Was the school here an adjustment in any way?
When we left Germany for Singapore my daughter was 2 and a half years old. We spent 5 years in Asia and when we went back, her English was better than her German. We weren’t sure how long we would stay in Germany, so she attended an international school as well and we didn’t have to worry that much when we moved again. But it’s true – in Germany, you can’t take children out of school without a serious reason or you will be fined. Here, I was positively surprised that you can even decide to homeschool your children.
You co-create the Platter restaurant at the InterContinental Warsaw with the outstanding Polish chef Karol Okrasa. You must be a foodie…
I am and Warsaw is such a paradise for me! I absolutely love our restaurant — it never ceases to amaze me. Karol has an incredible talent for incorporating elements of Polish culture and nature into his dishes, presenting them with a truly international flair. Now we have planned a renovation of our Restaurant and Bars for next year to give out outstanding culinary offer the stage it deserves. In addition, there’s always some new interesting place opening, some new things to try, and most importantly – Warsaw is filled with extremely good Thai food, much better than in any other country outside of Asia. My brother (such a foodie himself!) and I, had the opportunity to go to the 2 Michelin-star restaurant in Kraków – the fantastic Bottiglieria 1881. He had been in various 3-star restaurants all over the world and he was blown away by the experience. The gastronomical offer here is very impressive.
Apart from Warsaw, what place would you recommend to someone, who has never been to Poland?
Stunning Kraków and the seaside – Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot with a stop-over on the way at Mazuria with its beautiful lakes. I definitely haven’t travelled around Poland enough yet, and I can tell you what’s on my list next – Zakopane and Wrocław.