Bistro Founded by Ukrainian Refugees to Close
Mriya was opened by two people stranded in London by Putin’s invasion
The premises of Mriya. Picture: Google Streetview
May 25, 2026
Mriya, the acclaimed Ukrainian bistro near the eastern end of Lillie Road, will close its doors for the final time on 7 June, marking the end of a short but deeply significant chapter in London’s culinary and cultural life.
The Earl’s Court restaurant, founded by Ukrainian chef Yurii Kovryzhenko and partner Olga Tsybytovska, opened in 2022 after the pair were stranded in London following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. What began as an improvised venture quickly became a symbol of resilience and creativity, introducing Londoners to modern Ukrainian cuisine while serving as a meeting place for the city’s growing Ukrainian community.
In a statement announcing the closure, the team described Mriya as “born during a difficult moment in history” and thanked guests, team members, partners and the city of London for their support. “What we built at Mriya went beyond hospitality,” they wrote. “The connections and memories will continue long after the restaurant closes.” The name itself means dream in Ukrainian — a reminder, they said, that some dreams never truly disappear.
From its opening on Old Brompton Road, Mriya stood out not only for its food but for its sense of purpose. It was the first Ukrainian restaurant to open abroad after the invasion, and its founders saw it as a way to preserve and share their country’s culture at a time of upheaval. The dining room was filled with ceramics, textiles, furniture and artworks sourced directly from Ukraine, each chosen to reflect the country’s craftsmanship and spirit. The restaurant hosted community gatherings, cultural evenings and charity events supporting humanitarian causes.
Mriya’s menu evolved over time but always celebrated Ukrainian ingredients and techniques. In 2024, the restaurant relaunched under executive chef Anton Vasyliev, introducing a fire-grilled concept with dishes such as chicken giblets skewers with beef juice and hazelnut cream, pampushka sando with beef tartare, and shish kebab with grilled shishito peppers. Its signature chicken Kyiv — featured on MasterChef — remained a favourite.
The announcement of Mriya’s closure has been met with sadness among regulars and the wider Ukrainian diaspora. For many, the restaurant was more than a place to eat; it was a space of belonging and pride.
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