Cotton Tree Yard launches at Shwen Shwen by Maria Bradford in Sevenoaks

Cotton Tree Yard at Shwen Shwen by Maria Bradford

Cotton Tree Yard is Shwen Shwen by Maria Bradford’s new outdoor dining space. Named after the historic Cotton Tree in Freetown, where Maria was born and raised, it draws on a powerful symbol of peace and freedom in Sierra Leone. Sponsored by Nyetimber, one of England’s leading vineyards, the space will serve a selection of sparkling wines by the glass and bottle throughout the summer until September.

Abundant with colours and texture, guests are welcomed into a courtyard filled with greenery and glowing lights; the burgundy tones of the planters echo the restaurant’s earthy palette of burnt tamarind and smoky aubergine, inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Sierra Leone.

The new Cotton Tree Yard summer menu is designed for sharing and relaxed, finger-food friendly dining.

Highlights include Chicken Skewers with lemongrass and groundnut; Black Eye Beans Hummus with hibiscus and plantain; and the addictive Fermented Chilli Honey Flatbread, which is notoriously hard to share. For a true taste of summer, try Maria’s shell-on grilled prawns, served with Salone Fire and lemongrass gel - rich in flavour and irresistibly moreish.

Alongside the new courtyard menu, guests can enjoy a selection of Nyetimber wines, including Classic Cuvée, Cuvée Chérie Demi-Sec, Blanc de Blancs and Rosé, available by the glass or bottle.

Zoe Dearsley, Nyetimber Group Head Brand Ambassador says: “We’re so excited to be supporting the launch of Shwen Shwen’s beautiful new outdoor dining space, where people can enjoy Nyetimber in the sunshine over the coming months. Shwen Shwen’s menu includes many dishes that pair perfectly with our sparkling wines, such as grilled prawns with our Blanc de Blancs 2017, or chicken skewers with lemongrass and groundnut with our demi-sec sparkling wine, Cuvee Chérie.”

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About Shwen Shwen by Maria Bradford

Awarded the Michelin Guide’s Opening of the Year, Shwen Shwen by Maria Bradford is an intimate and elegant dining experience bringing the bold, vibrant flavours of Sierra Leone to the historic market town of Sevenoaks, Kent. Founded by award-winning chef and author Maria Bradford, this debut restaurant honours the storytelling and spice of West Africa while presenting each dish with contemporary precision and flair.

Sierra Leonean flavours and ingredients are the heart of Maria’s cooking. Grains, herbs, spices and leaves that might be unfamiliar to a Western audience provide layers of complexity, texture and heat, highlighting the food diversity and resourcefulness in Sierra Leonean cooking. Ingredients such as fonio, moringa, baobab, red palm oil, egusi, grains of paradise and jute leaves are highly nutritious and just some of the superfoods found in Maria’s menus.

From the new summer à la carte menu, begin with snacks such Chicken Skewers, Lemongrass, Groundnut or Lamb Croquette, Tomato, Red Palm Oil, Shito, followed by small plates to share including Kankankan Octopus, Romesco and Beetroot, Goat’s Curd, Fonio and Egusi Granola. Main courses are designed for sharing between two, with options such as the rich and savoury Beef Short-rib, Groundnut and Coconut, whole roasted Seabass wrapped in Banana Leaf and Lemongrass, or the celebratory, family-style Jollof served with slow-braised ox cheeks and Krio stew. For dessert, Maria offers a creative cassava cheesecake with plum compote, as well as Coconut Panna Cotta, Summer Berry Tea or a refreshing Baobab and Grapefruit Sorbet, Hibiscus.

Shwen Shwen is more than a restaurant, it is a celebration of heritage, culture, and storytelling through food.

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