Ukrainian family open new café at Caerphilly Railway Station with their UK sponsor

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A Ukrainian family who came to Wales to escape Russia’s invasion of their country have opened a new café at Caerphilly Railway Station – with the help of the lady who housed them.

Sisters Hanna and Liudmyla Famtsova, together with their respective daughters Daria Spivaliuk and Polinia Bielonohova, arrived in Wales from Ukraine three years ago with friend Daria Spivaliuk and all were sponsored by former NHS worker Siân Lewis.

The four have now gone into business together with Coffi Kava – a combination of the word for coffee in Welsh and Ukraine – which opened last month.

Siân said: “About a year ago we started to talk about the potential for them to open their own business in the UK.

“They’ve loved baking. They’ve been home bakers for many, many, years. They thought about opening a bakery in Ukraine and they wondered whether that was a possibility for them in the UK.

“So they looked into it, and they thought about it, and we discussed it and we came to the idea of having a coffee shop and bakery.”

After approaching Transport for Wales, the Welsh Government-backed company suggested the empty shop in Caerphilly, which had been closed since 2021.

The café, the owners say, is a celebration of culture, connection and local pride with Sian and the sisters committed to sourcing Welsh-made products, including Welsh roastery Coaltown Coffee, when possible.

Liudmyla said baking was a hobby for her and her family with her sister starting aged 13.

She added: “It was our family’s idea from years ago, but it came alive only here thanks to Siân.”

Alexia Course, chief commercial officer at Transport for Wales, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Coffi Kava to Caerphilly Station and into our wider network.

“This partnership is a fantastic example of our commitment to supporting local businesses and helping communities flourish.

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

“We’re confident this will provide a great experience for our customers, whether they’re commuting daily or visiting for leisure, by offering them a warm, welcoming space to enjoy. We look forward to seeing Coffi Kava grow and thrive as part of our network.”