Chef, Author and Fortnum & Mason awards judge Maria Bradford came to 20.20 to design her first restaurant, which would be a love letter to her hometown in Sierra Leone. The chosen location, situated just off a busy high street in Sevenoaks, Kent, is a two-storey restaurant, with a very special courtyard named "Cotton Tree Yard" that embodies her passion and her story, transporting guests to where she grew up.
Shwen Shwen is a meeting point of two cultures, blended with care and deep respect. Lighting, designed by Dar Leone - a fellow Sierra Leonean, female-owned brand - casts a soft glow over the space.
Every tile and fabric was handpicked with intention, drawing inspiration from traditional fabrics, culinary traditions and history. The first floor features a tribute to Lion Mountain in the Freetown Peninsula and there are nods to Krio architecture throughout the space.