Shwen Shwen

A love letter to Sierra Leone

interior design, hospitality design

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.

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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.

20.20 really took the time to understand our vision. 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, which 20.20 has helped us deliver. 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, and our customers absolutely love it.
Maria Bradford, Executive Chef and Owner of Shwen Shwen

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.

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