Olga Tsybytovska, originally from Ukraine, found herself unexpectedly stranded in London when the Russian invasion struck her homeland in February 2022. While on holiday, she quickly became involved in organizing fundraisers and humanitarian efforts to support Ukrainians, a commitment that eventually led her and her partner, Yurii Kovryzhenko, to open the Mriya Neo Bistro in the heart of South Kensington. This venture not only celebrates Ukrainian cuisine but also provides employment opportunities for newly arrived refugees seeking stability in a foreign city.

Operating in one of the world's culinary capitals has its own pressures, and Tsybytovska faces intense personal challenges as she remains deeply worried about her family in Dnipro—a city repeatedly targeted by bombings since the conflict began. Her decision to bar Donald Trump from the bistro is a personal stance against his remarks, which she finds offensive given the current circumstances, and an act of solidarity with her fellow Ukrainians who continue to endure unimaginable hardships.

The bistro has earned acclaim for its inventive take on Ukrainian classics such as eggplant caviar, borscht made from beetroot, the traditional chicken Kyiv, and bryndza, a tangy sheep’s cheese favored in southern Ukraine. Every day, Tsybytovska dedicates herself to refining her restaurant's menu and ambiance, even as she juggles the emotional toll of news from home—where the relentless bombing has left countless civilians vulnerable.

Mriya, meaning “dream” in Ukrainian, has also become a symbol of hope and resilience, offering a sense of community for those who have lost so much. Stories like that of Tetiana Verestiuk, who advanced from a pastry chef to the head chef role despite personal tragedies, illustrate the spirit of unity and perseverance. Despite daily anxieties and the constant concern for loved ones, the team at Mriya continues to nurture dreams of a peaceful future, possibly even opening another branch in Kyiv someday.