Ukrainian sisters and Welsh sponsor launch fusion cafe

Ukrainian-Welsh fusion cafe Coffi Kava opened last month at Caerphilly railway station

Two sisters who came to Wales to escape war after Russia's invasion of Ukraine have teamed up with the NHS worker who sponsored them to open a cafe offering a fusion of their cultures.

Hanna and Liudmyla Famtsova arrived in Wales from Ukraine three years ago, sponsored by Sian Lewis, a retired NHS worker.

The three women bonded over their shared passion for baking and good coffee and have taken over the cafe at Caerphilly railway station, naming it Coffi Kava, the words for coffee in Welsh and Ukrainian respectively.

"It's been amazing to see people embracing what we offer," the team said.

The cafe's menu blends traditional Ukrainian flavours with Welsh ingredients to celebrate both cultures.

Hanna, now 48, started baking when she was about 13 years old, and later shared the passion with her sister.

The pair were seriously considering turning the hobby into a career in their home city of Dnipro, where they worked in senior positions at a dietetics service, before they were forced to evacuate.

"We lived happily, worked at a good job, the children went to school, had many friends, and the whole family was close to us," she said.

"Now, everyone is scattered around the world."

The sisters came to Wales in 2022, with Hanna's daughter Daria, now 20, and Liudmyla's daughter Polina, now 14.

Daria's father has been fighting for the Ukrainian army since 2014, sustaining two serious wounds before returning to service.

Hanna and Liudmyla live in Cardiff Bay and worked as housekeepers at local hotels before launching the cafe business, where Daria now works as well.

Liudmyla, 46, added: "It was our family's idea from years ago, but it came alive here, only thanks to Sian."

The cafe serves traditional Ukrainian desserts, using Welsh produce wherever possible

Sian, 62, and the sisters said they were committed to sourcing Welsh-made products wherever possible, including Coaltown Coffee, a Welsh roastery which aims to revive jobs in former mining and industrial towns.

As well as coffee, the cafe serves homemade pastries and lemonade, as well as traditional Ukrainian desserts.

"Opening Coffi Kava has been a dream come true for us. The first few weeks have been incredibly positive. We've felt so welcomed by passengers, local residents and the TfW (Transport for Wales) team," the trio said.

"Their warmth and enthusiasm have made settling in a joy… We're excited to keep growing and serving this vibrant community."

Sian, from Glais, Swansea, said starting a new job after her retirement had been exciting, adding she now considers the sisters her friends.

Alexia Course, chief commercial officer at Transport for Wales, added the company was "thrilled" to welcome the new business.

"The Coffi Kava team brings something truly special to the station, blending Welsh and Ukrainian influences in a unique way," she said.

"We look forward to seeing Coffi Kava grow and thrive."