Afro-fusion cuisine at Shwen Shwen, Sevenoaks
The highly anticipated independent, female-owned restaurant, Shwen Shwen by Maria Bradford opens its doors on 6th June 2025. The debut restaurant from award-winning chef and author Maria Bradford brings the bold and vibrant flavours of Sierra Leone to the historic market town of Sevenoaks, Kent. Maria, known for her cookbook Sweet Salone: Recipes from the Heart of Sierra Leone and her role as a judge for the prestigious Fortnum & Mason Food & Drink Awards, is redefining fine dining with her distinctive take on Afro-fusion cuisine.
Blending authentic Sierra Leonean tradition with contemporary influences, Shwen Shwen offers a truly unique dining experience. The name, derived from the Krio language, means ‘fancy’ - but for Maria, it represents much more than just her food. It embodies a way of life, and an invitation to share in something special.
Tucked away down a charming, cobbled alleyway, Shwen Shwen opens into Maria’s re-branded Cotton Tree Yard – an exclusive outdoor terrace - before welcoming guests into an evocative space designed to feel both elegant and intimate. Inside, rich hues of burnt terracotta and smoky aubergine create a warm, cocooning atmosphere, enhanced by tactile surfaces, bespoke hand-painted fabrics, and wallpaper inspired by vintage West African and Sierra Leonean textiles. Every detail has been carefully chosen to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages guests to relax and feel at home.
Photography by Andrew Hayes Watkins
A Culinary Journey to Sierra Leone Maria’s passion for food began in her childhood home in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where she learned to cook alongside her mother and grandmother. Drawing inspiration from the streets of Freetown, rural villages, and the Sierra Leone River, her menu reflects the diverse and rich culinary traditions of her homeland. Using signature ingredients such as moringa, fonio, tamarind, sesame, egusi, baobab and hibiscus, Maria creates bold, layered flavours that transport diners with every bite.
The launch menu, designed for discovery and sharing, features:
Lamb Belly, Palm Oil, African Five Spice
Mackerel, Mango, Cassava Flat Bread
King Prawns, Salone Fire, Lemongrass Gel
Beef Short-rib, Groundnut, Coconut
Desserts such as Hibiscus, Caramelised White Chocolate, Fig Leaf, Pepper and Moringa Mille-Feuille, Benne Cake, Sheep’s Yoghurt Ice-Cream
A Cheese Board featuring Tamarind Jelly & Jellied Hibiscus Flower
Shwen Shwen is more than a restaurant, it is a celebration of heritage, culture, and storytelling through food.
“Shwen Shwen is the realisation of a long-held dream. I want my food to take guests on a journey to experience the vibrant culinary landscape of Sierra Leone. Though my restaurant is in Sevenoaks, every dish is a love letter to my homeland”
