After escaping the war in Ukraine, Nataliia Maiseionok has rebuilt her life to become a rising star sommelier. She shares her remarkable story with Fiona Stubbs
Nataliia Maiseionok is in her element as she speaks knowledgeably and eloquently about wine – from its production to its fascinating relationship with food.
It’s easy to see how her quiet dedication and deep love for hospitality have shaped her role as sommelier at Fischer’s Baslow Hall.
What is astonishing, however, is her remarkable resilience in learning a new language and building a new life after escaping the horror of war in Ukraine.
Nataliia – known as Tasha – arrived in Derbyshire, in October 2022, from the city of Dnipro, where she was managing a team in a restaurant when the war began.
She had completed a Masters degree in Tourism and Hospitality in the city of Zaporizhzhia, in a region partly annexed by Russian forces which has experienced some of the most intense fighting.
“I worked for a really great family restaurant, serving traditional Ukrainian and European cuisine,” she recalls. “It was so nice. We had a great team and worked to very high standards.
“I was absolutely happy. My career was great. I had a lot of friends and family around me and I loved to travel. And then, in one moment, everything changed.”
Tasha stayed in Ukraine for nine months after the Russian invasion. “We were a really big group of friends,” she adds. “We said: ‘we don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. Let’s just live every day’. We’d appreciate beautiful sunrises and sunsets; we ate good food and drank good wine.
“And we kept working. The restaurant did not close for a single day. Some of us (the women) were told to remain at home when the war started, but I couldn’t do this and returned to work after four days. Customers kept coming – like Fischer’s it had a lot of history; a lot of stories. It also had a cellar where people could hide [in case of an attack].
“As the war intensified, we helped people who moved from other regions and became aware of people who had died as soldiers. I started to become anxious. When I went to bed, I’d wonder if I’d be waking up in the morning.”
Visiting relatives in Zaporizhzhia city – which has suffered significant damage from Russian missile and drone attacks – brought home the harsh realities of war. “There was a moment when I thought ‘I can’t do this anymore’,” says Tasha. “Also, Putin was talking about using a nuclear bomb – and my mum was crazy about this.”
Tasha’s mum, Olena, had been among the first Ukrainians to leave for safety in the UK, moving from Zaporizhzhia with her six-year-old son. She later moved to Germany to be closer to other relatives.
Olena had been hosted through the Homes for Ukraine initiative, a UK government programme allowing individuals to sponsor Ukrainians fleeing the war, providing them with accommodation and support – and she urged her daughter to also escape danger.
Tasha was matched with Chesterfield doctor Martin Bradley and his wife Jacqueline, a retired nurse. “I had a video call with them,” says Tasha. “I couldn’t speak English – my friend spoke for me – but it was a completely honest conversation.”
She still lives with the couple. “They – and their daughters Katie and Rach – have been extremely kind to me,” smiles Tasha. “They’ve given me a lot of care and understanding. They took in a person from another country and we’ve become a family.”
Jacqueline adds: “Tasha has seamlessly slipped into our family life. She has gelled with our daughters and their families in a way that is lovely to see.”
Soon after arriving in Chesterfield, Tasha’s thoughts turned to work, despite her lack of English. She recalls: “When I came here, the only English word I knew was ‘hello’. I sometimes felt like Mr Bean [who rarely talks except a few mumbled words] … my favourite movie! After a few weeks I realised I needed a job. I’ve always looked after myself and didn’t want to be on benefits. I had skills but I didn’t speak English.”
Jacqueline introduced Tasha to Fischer’s and she joined the team in November 2022. She began as a food runner while teaching herself English from books. After nine months she met her partner, Scott. “He has helped me to learn English, to develop as a professional and to adapt to life in a new country,” she says.
Throughout the last two-and-a-half years, Tasha has learned not only the English language but wine language, packed with challenging technical terms.
“I went from ‘hello, how are you?’ to ‘let’s talk about fermentation’!” she laughs.
Her sommelier journey began when Fischer’s managing director Neil Fischer spotted her potential and suggested she visit the fine English wine producer Gusbourne Estate.
“It was so inspiring,” says Tasha. “I already had an appreciation of wine – in Ukraine we had a lot of training in restaurants. But at the Gusbourne Estate I met highly qualified sommeliers in an amazing location. When I came back to Fischer’s, I spoke to customers about It – when you have that sort of experience, you want to share it. From then on, I thought ‘wine is my next move’ and I started studying for qualifications.”
Tasha insisted on funding her own studies in the Wine & Spirit Education Trust’s levels 1, 2 and 3 – while developing and refining the restaurant’s wine offering, re-introducing detailed tasting notes and wine pairings for each new menu.
For each new seasonal menu, she works with head chef John Shuttleworth and the kitchen team on food and wine flavours which work well together. “I want people to feel special and to remember their experience,” says Tasha. “We’re always aspiring.”
This extends to non-alcoholic options, too. “Trends are changing,” she explains. “Some people are looking for non-alcoholic drinks, especially at lunch. It’s important to offer knowledge and choice – and there are some great non-alcoholic wines and spirits.”
Her hard work and dedication have resulted in Tasha being shortlisted for an AA Rising Star Award – the winners being announced as Reflections went to press.
Neil Fischer says: “Tasha is a true inspiration. Arriving in the UK with very little English and no expectations, she has rebuilt her life with focus and integrity. We have watched her develop and bloom, becoming one of the most respected members of the team.
“Her personal journey has motivated others to pursue their own training. She leads by example, showing what’s possible with hard work, kindness, and self-belief. She takes the time to share her knowledge with the front-of-house team, delivering regular tastings and in-house training. Her work has enhanced guest experience, allowing every team member to speak knowledgeably and confidently about our wine list. Her dedication also supports our ethos, offering expert service in a warm, approachable and friendly manner.”
Outside of work, Tasha enjoys travelling in the UK and has a special appreciation of our national parks. “I love hiking,” she says. “When you’ve got a lot to think about, you need to go somewhere and clear the mind.
“I love England. It wasn’t an easy move and the first year was particularly hard. When you move without really wanting to, it takes time to process.
“Everyone thought the war was just for a few months; that it would be finished soon. I still have hope that it will finish.
“It’s definitely a part of me. At work, you’re professional and then, one moment [she clicks a finger] it comes back. I got really lucky. I came here; it’s safe. I’ve got a great job, lovely people around me. I do sport and travel. I do things that make me feel good.”
• Learn more about Fischer’s Baslow Hall at https://www.fischers-baslowhall.co.uk/