Maria Bradford has made her mark on London’s fine-dining scene with her restaurant Shwen Shwen, which was named Michelin Opening of the Year just eight months after opening. For Bradford, the recognition is not about prestige;it is about possibility, and about proving that Sierra Leonean and Afro-fusion cuisine belongs at the highest levels of culinary creativity.

From the start, Bradford’s goal has been to create a space where heritage and innovation exist side by side. She wants diners to experience authentic flavours elevated with care and imagination, without watering down tradition to fit Western expectations. Her philosophy of luxury is rooted in confidence — confidence in the food, in the culture behind it, and in the freedom to innovate while honouring her roots.

In her own words, Bradford called the award “an extraordinary honour” and described the past week as “surreal, humbling, and deeply emotional.” She explained that her intention has never been to please one audience at the expense of another. Instead, she aims to build a bridge where fine dining and Sierra Leonean culinary traditions can inform and elevate each other. Every menu at Shwen Shwen reflects this philosophy, carefully balancing tradition with creativity.

The Michelin recognition confirms that people are ready for this evolution in dining and  that there is space for West African flavours to stand proudly alongside modern techniques. For Bradford, the award is not the finish line. It is a beginning, proof that Shwen Shwen’s identity is still unfolding and that the restaurant can continue shaping the future of fine dining.

Shwen Shwen is more than a restaurant. It is a celebration of culture, heritage, and innovation. Maria Bradford has shown that authenticity and refinement can coexist, creating a dining experience that is both deeply personal and widely accessible.

For more information or to book a table, visit https://shwenshwen.com/