‘We have to keep going’: Ukrainian restaurant marks first anniversary with fundraising dinner

DIFFICULT YEAR: Lena Sutherland in her Ukrainian restaurant

By Rick Lyon

A woman who opened a Ukrainian restaurant in Hull to support the humanitarian effort in her homeland is to mark its first anniversary with a special event to raise awareness of her country’s food and culture.

Lena Sutherland will welcome guests to her Ukrainian Kitchen in Hull on Saturday, October 28 for a celebration night aimed at thanking people who have helped her so far, and kickstarting a second year of fundraising.

Lena said: “It has been a very difficult year here but of course nothing like as bad as in Ukraine, and that is why we have to keep going. We have all been reminded again during the last week of the horrors of war and we must do what we can to help people who are affected by that.”

Lena built a reputation for selling fantastic Ukrainian food during more than 20 years running a deli and sandwich shop in Hull. She came out of retirement to open Lena’s Ukrainian Kitchen in a building once occupied by the former Operetta Italian restaurant in Bond Street, Hull.

In addition to serving traditional Ukrainian food and drink Lena provides work for refugees and collects warm clothing and other donations to send back home.

The celebration night will run from 6pm until late. Guests will be offered a complimentary drink on arrival and will be shown to their tables for an evening of Ukrainian dishes and culture, including live music, for just £20 per head.

Lena said: “It is another part of our fundraising campaign and we hope to welcome some of the people who have helped us including refugees and other volunteers, regular customers and newcomers. It will be an amazing night and hopefully we will get a lot of advance bookings.”

To find out more about Lena’s Ukrainian Kitchen and the anniversary event, call the restaurant on 01482 421516 or visit its Facebook page.