Local Spotlight on Shwen Shwen: Sevenoaks' vibrant new restaurant from Sierra Leonian chef, Maria Bradford

The beginning of June saw the opening of Shwen Shwen in Sevenoaks - the sophisticated debut restaurant from award-winning author and chef, Maria Bradford.

Born and raised in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Maria Bradford developed her passion for food at a young age, cooking alongside her mother and grandmother. Since moving to Kent as a teenager, she has pursued her dream in the culinary industry - first through her own private catering company, and then with the release of successful cookbook, Sweet Salone.

Now, the acclaimed chef is bringing the bold and vibrant flavours of Sierra Leone to this historic corner of Kent. Shwen Shwen sets out to redefine fine dining with Maria’s distinctive take on Afro-fusion cuisine, whilst celebrating the culture and heritage of West Africa.

We chatted to Maria about what guests can expect from a dining experience at Shwen Shwen, and how the immaculately designed and immersive restaurant is a love letter to her her homeland.

Photographer: Dave Saunders

Congratulations on the opening of your debut restaurant, Shwen Shwen! How would you describe this wonderful new addition to Sevenoaks?

Thank you! 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. I want the restaurant to serve as a platform for preserving and promoting our rich culinary heritage.

For the diaspora, I hope it becomes a cultural touchstone, a place that honours where we’ve come from, reflects where are now, and inspires where are going. This matters deeply because barriers, whether geographic or cultural, often create misunderstanding and fear. But when we break those barriers, we build stronger, fairer and more vibrant communities. And stronger communities make life better for everyone.

It’s such a huge achievement - how did you feel on your opening night?

I’m beyond thrilled and deeply grateful for the love and support we’ve received from our opening weekend and being fully booked. We even had a guest travel all the way from Belgium just to dine with us – I was speechless!

Shwen Shwen isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a celebration of Sierra Leone and West African heritage and to challenge long held perceptions about African cuisine. Some guests were surprised by the soft music, saying it didn’t feel ‘African enough’ but what they were hearing were the beautiful sounds of griot and kora, traditional West African instruments, songs in the Mandinka language. It’s great to challenge perceptions of what Africa or West Africa is or was or should be.

Photographer: GG Archard

What can guests expect from a visit to Shwen Shwen?

Shwen Shwen is celebration of culture, flavour and soulful hospitality. The path I have trodden from Freetown in Sierra Leone to the UK over the past 10-20 years has not been easy. Navigating a new culture, fitting in, finding my place in a food industry and culinary world that doesn’t also recognise or relate to my heritage. Food is more than nourishment; it’s a living story. My food speaks of my story, my childhood memories, my journey and desire to build something in unfamiliar soil. The conversations sparked over our ingredients have been so rewarding. Sharing the stories behind, where they come from, what they mean to us, is a joy.

The name ‘Shwen Shwen’ is derived from the Krio language meaning ‘fancy’. Is this the feeling you’d like to evoke for visitors to the restaurant?

We have blended authentic Sierra Leonean tradition with contemporary influences and offer a truly unique dining experience. The name, derived from the Krio language, means ‘fancy’ - but for me, it represents much more than just my food. It embodies a way of life, and an invitation to share in something special.

Photographers (L-R): John Scott Blackwell; GG Archard; John Scott Blackwell

The interior design has also played a big part in creating a traditional West African feel to the restaurant. How would you describe the restaurant’s style and how involved were you in creating this?

West African culture is unapologetically bold - our textiles, our art, our celebrations. I wanted the same energy to flow through every corner of the restaurant. Rich ochres, deep purples and warm earth tones: these are the colours that hold memory, story and soul for me.

This wasn’t just about design. It was about identity. About creating a space that felt like home for those who know, and a warm welcome for those discovering. Getting the colours and textures right meant grounding every detail in purpose from the traditional village home inspired textiles to the glow of the lighting against terracotta tones. It’s all part of the experience.

I’m proud to say you feel West Africa when you’re in the restaurant, you feel Sierra Leone, before you even taste it.

Photographers (L-R): GG Archard; John Scott Blackwell; GG Archard

You started cooking at a very young age with family members. Is this how your love of food and cooking was sparked? Is family cooking still at the heart of your cuisine?

My passion for food began in my childhood home in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where I learnt to cook alongside my mother and grandmother. Drawing inspiration from the streets of Freetown, rural villages, and the Sierra Leone River, my menu reflects the diverse and rich culinary traditions of my homeland and transports diners with every bite with signature ingredients such as moringa, fonio, tamarind, sesame, egusi, baobab and hibiscus.

Your heritage is at the heart of the restaurant, and it feels like a very personal venture. What does it mean to you to bring Sierra Leonean food and culture to Sevenoaks, as well as making it more prominent in the UK?

Everything!

How can people find out more and book a table at Shwen Shwen?

Our website and reservations are live – www.shwenshwen.com, 01732 496930 or email reservations@shwenshwen.com and follow me on Instagram @shwenshwenbymaria