Ukrainian café in South Kerry town thriving after recent opening

The Lazy Cat Café opened in Cahersiveen in May.

A Ukrainian trio who fled the country after Russia invaded in February of last year have put down roots in South Kerry, opening a café in the small town of Cahersiveen. Café owners Anna Grebeniuk, Vitalii Bevz, and Tetiana Bevz had always dreamed of opening a similar business in Kyiv, but an opportunity arose when they arrived in Ireland. Speaking to the Independent ahead of opening earlier this summer, Anna explained that opening a café was "physically and financially impossible" in the busy city of Kyiv. Before opening the café, Anna was working in a local bakery, while Vitalii and Tetiana worked in a chocolate factory. Before the war in Ukraine, Anna was an award-winning documentary maker. The Cat Café opened in May of this year on Church Street in Cahersiveen with savoury quiche (€7) and paninis (€8) as well as sweet waffles with fruit and cream, scones, pastries and a selection of homemade cakes. There's layered chocolate mousse, snickers cake, Oreo cheesecake and skilfully poured coffee to wash everything down with. Speaking to the Independent about the response from the local community, Anna said:

“People we don’t even know have been coming up to us and wishing us well. They have been very supportive".

“It’s sad to be away from home. I’m here with my friends but my family is still in Ukraine. Vitalii’s daughter and mother is still there. So yes, it’s difficult, but we are trying to move forward.”

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