Maslyana in London
- Anastasiia Kopan
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 16
A community case study by Bear With Me Coffee - February 28, 2026
How Ukrainian Culture, Community and Coffee Brought People Together
In the heart of West London, inside the historic Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, the elegant Soane’s Garden Room became a space where winter was gently said goodbye - and where Ukrainian culture came vividly to life. Maslyana (Maslyanitsa), the traditional Ukrainian celebration of the arrival of spring, brought together around 200 guests from Ukrainian and British communities. More than an event, it became a shared experience of warmth, connection, and cultural exchange - reflecting a growing Ukrainian presence in London.
A Community-Led Cultural Event in London
The event was delivered and organised by BRIDGE for Ukrainians and Ealing & Hounslow Community Volunteering Service, funded by Ealing Council. BRIDGE for Ukrainians continues to play a key role in supporting Ukrainian refugees and migrants in the UK, creating spaces where culture, education, and community engagement foster integration.
The initiative is led by Olena Horkovenko - Chair of BRIDGE for Ukrainians Charitable Organisation (CIO), Olga Dudnik - Services Manager of the Ukrainian Project, EHCVS, and Anya Abdulakh - Project Consultant - a team dedicated to building meaningful connections between Ukrainian and British communities.
Bear With Me Coffee: Bringing Ukrainian Coffee Culture to London
At the heart of the event was Bear With Me Coffee - a small independent business founded by Stacy and Slava Babych. Together with Anastasiia Kopan, the team created more than just a coffee service - we brought an atmosphere. Guests were welcomed with speciality coffee, warm drinks, and a thoughtful visual identity that blended Ukrainian cultural references with a contemporary London aesthetic.
This reflects a broader movement: Ukrainian small businesses in London are not only building economic independence but actively shaping the city’s cultural landscape.
Ukrainian Culture Abroad: A Living Experience
Maslyana 2026 demonstrated how Ukrainian traditions can evolve while remaining deeply authentic.
The cultural programme included:
A performance by the Stelmakh family ensemble
A solo performance by Tetiana Makovei, accompanied by Olga Dudnik
Poetry readings by Stacy Babych, Oleksandra Serheniuk, and Hanna Serheniuk
A children’s creative programme led by Emma Marcu
A piano performance by Oleksandr Kravchenko
One of the most emotional moments was a poetry reading by Stacy Babych, who recited “Nadiya” by Lesya Ukrainka. Alongside her, Hanna Serheniuk performed “Sadok Vyshnevyi Kolo Khaty” by Taras Shevchenko, while Oleksandra Serheniuk read “Nepora” by Ivan Franko. These works carried a powerful message: Ukrainian identity is not only preserved abroad - it continues to grow, be shared, and inspire.
Cultural Details That Matter
One of the most memorable elements of the event was the custom-designed coffee cups featuring Ukrainian literary figures - Taras Shevchenko, Lesya Ukrainka, and Ivan Franko. Produced in Ukraine and brought to London, these cups became more than a design element - they symbolised a connection between everyday rituals and cultural heritage.
Food, Connection, and Community
No Maslyana celebration is complete without nalysnyky (crepes) - a symbol of the sun and the coming of spring. At this event, food became a social connector. Guests shared meals, stories, and conversations, forming new relationships within the community.
Thanks to Delicate Gastrobar, the culinary experience was generous and welcoming, ensuring that every guest felt at home.
Building Partnerships That Matter
The event was supported by key community and institutional partners, including:
Niharika Batra - Head of Strategic Development, EHCVS;
Richard Kornicki - Esquire, Commander of the Order of the British Empire, Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Ealing, Patron of BRIDGE for Ukrainians;
Ealing Council;
Their involvement highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration in supporting migrant communities and cultural initiatives in London.
A Case Study in Community, Culture and Small Business
Maslyana in London is more than a celebration - it is a case study of how:
Community initiatives create real social impact
Small businesses contribute to cultural ecosystems
Partnerships strengthen integration and visibility
Culture becomes a bridge between people
Looking Ahead: The Future of Ukrainian Culture in London
Events like Maslyana are shaping a new reality for Ukrainians in the UK - one where culture is not lost, but evolves and finds new forms. For Bear With Me Coffee, this is part of a larger journey: building a business rooted in culture, community, and meaningful connection. And for London, it is a reminder that multiculturalism is not just coexistence - it is collaboration, creativity, and shared experience.
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