News

Following a celebrated success in Neath, Ruta Kitchen has officially opened its second location at 14 Nelson Street, bringing “a little piece of Ukraine… to the heart of the city” of Swansea. This expansion marks a new chapter in a story that began with a dream and was forged in resilience.

The original Ruta Kitchen, located at 34 Orchard Street in Neath, was opened by co-founders Ihor Tertyshnyi and Volodymyr Ivliev, who arrived in Wales following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The café was the realization of a long-held dream to create a place that was more than just a restaurant—it was envisioned as a community hub and a cultural bridge.

The name “Ruta” itself is deeply significant, referencing a cherished herb in Ukrainian tradition that symbolizes purity, spiritual strength, and love for one’s homeland. It also fittingly translates to “path” or “road,” reflecting the journey of its founders.

In Neath, Ruta Kitchen quickly grew into a beloved community staple. It became a vital meeting place for Ukrainians to connect and to introduce their Welsh friends, sponsors, and neighbours to their culture through food. Its role as a community anchor was even recognized by the Neath Council and praised by Sioned Williams, Member of the Senedd.

Now, the team is bringing that same vision to Swansea. The new restaurant promises “authentic Ukrainian food made with love and the best local ingredients.” Visitors can expect a menu filled with traditional, homemade favourites like borshch, varenyky (dumplings), deruny (potato pancakes), and holubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls), alongside an all-day breakfast and a tempting display of cakes and desserts.

The Swansea location’s interior design thoughtfully celebrates both Ukrainian and Welsh identities. Traditional Ukrainian folk art adorns the walls, featuring distinctive red poppies and blackbirds characteristic of Petrykivka painting—a style recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. The Welsh dragon flag hangs proudly alongside Ukrainian symbols, while flowing blue and yellow patterns painted across the ceiling echo the colors of the Ukrainian flag. The exposed brick walls, painted white, create a bright and welcoming space that feels both contemporary and rooted in tradition—a perfect backdrop for the restaurant’s mission to blend authentic Ukrainian flavours with Welsh warmth.

The café offers flexible dining options with indoor seating arrangements and outdoor tables along Nelson Street, making it an ideal spot for both quick lunches and leisurely meals.

Ruta Kitchen in Swansea is now open daily, inviting everyone to “come for lunch, stay for coffee and cakes,” and experience the real Ukrainian hospitality that has already won hearts in Neath.

Find Ruta Kitchen Swansea:
14 Nelson Street, Swansea
Open daily – everyone’s welcome!

Sources

• Facebook Post