Maria Bradford
Name: Maria Bradford
Company: Shwen Shwen
Title:
Biography
Maria Bradford is an award-winning chef, author,
and influencer. Born in Freetown, Sierra Leone,
she developed her love for cooking at the age of
nine, learning from her mother and grandmother.
After moving to Kent as a teenager, Maria trained at
Leith’s School of Food and Wine before launching
her own catering business, Maria Bradford Kitchen,
in 2017, now known as Shwen Shwen.
Maria’s work has been widely recognised for its
innovative approach to Sierra Leonean cuisine, and
she has become a key advocate for West African
culinary heritage. Shwen Shwen by Maria Bradford
is her debut restaurant, opening in June 2025.