Ukrainian sisters and Welsh sponsor open fusion café at Caerphilly Railway Station
Ukrainian sisters and Welsh sponsor open fusion café at Caerphilly Railway Station
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Two Ukrainian sisters who fled the war in their home country have teamed up with the Welsh woman who sponsored them to launch a new café blending flavours and traditions from both nations.
Coffi Kava, named by combining the Welsh and Ukrainian words for “coffee”, opened its doors at Caerphilly Railway Station in late July. The café offers a menu that fuses Ukrainian recipes with Welsh ingredients, while sourcing local produce wherever possible.
Hanna and Liudmyla arrived in Wales from Ukraine three years ago and now consider the country their second home. Their sponsor, Sian, a retired NHS worker, welcomed them to Wales when they first arrived. The trio bonded over a shared love of baking and coffee, which ultimately led to the creation of Coffi Kava.
The team say the café is more than just a business, it is designed as a celebration of culture, connection and local pride. Alongside its fusion menu, Coffi Kava champions Welsh-made products such as Coaltown Coffee, the award-winning Welsh roastery founded to help revive jobs in former mining and industrial towns.
Commenting on the launch, the Coffi Kava team said: “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 team. Their warmth and enthusiasm have made settling in a joy, and it’s been amazing to see people embracing what we offer. We’re excited to keep growing and serving this vibrant community.”
Transport for Wales (TfW), which operates Caerphilly Station, said the new café demonstrates how local businesses can flourish within its network.
Alexia Course, Chief Commercial Officer at Transport for Wales, said: “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.”
The opening comes at a time when more railway stations across Wales are being encouraged to provide community spaces that offer more than just transit facilities. Coffi Kava, say its founders, is about creating a welcoming hub where culture and community come together over coffee.
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