Afternoon Tea like NO OTHER!

When you think of afternoon tea, it’s almost impossible not to picture the classics: delicate finger sandwiches, fluffy scones slathered in clotted cream and jam, and a colorful selection of cakes. That’s exactly what I had in mind when I was invited to a Christmas afternoon tea about 10 days before the big day. The invitation, however, came with a twist: “Arrive no later than 2pm,” it read, “for a 7-course taster menu cooked before your eyes.”

Intriguing, right? I imagined a cosy afternoon filled with demonstrations of how to craft the perfect scones or perhaps the art of baking soft, pillowy bread rolls. But as much as I prepared myself for an afternoon of culinary education, nothing could have readied me for what was about to unfold.

Food with spice is FOOD with SOUL

UNKNOWN

I was invited as a special Christmas treat by one of my clients, The Wedding Owl, with whom I had the pleasure of working on two exciting projects this year: a brand-new website for e-Lope and one for Bilsington Priory. Over the years, our professional relationship has evolved into a wonderful friendship, making this gesture even more meaningful. Sam is so creative and she created the stunning table styling by @theweddingowl, adding an extra layer of beauty and elegance to the experience.

I arrived just before 2pm at a quiet, private residential road. At the front door, a note caught my eye, directing guests to the back garden and Maria’s studio. Following the sign, I entered the garden and found myself in front of a gorgeous annex—Maria’s culinary studio.

The studio was breathtaking. It featured a stunning kitchen that any chef would dream of, with every surface gleaming and ready for action. The open-plan space had been completely transformed into an intimate dining setting, blending the warmth of a private home with the sophistication of a high-end restaurant. The atmosphere was festive and welcoming, with every detail thoughtfully curated to create a dining experience like no other.

From savoury bites that reimagined the traditional sandwich to desserts that felt like a Christmas miracle on a plate, this experience elevated the concept of afternoon tea to an art form. And the best part? Watching each dish come to life in front of my eyes. The chef Maria Bradford shared her passion, techniques, and a sprinkle of festive magic, making this more than a meal—it was an experience to savour.

Food that tempted the TASTE BUDS

This wasn’t just afternoon tea; it was a gastronomic journey, an afternoon filled with creativity, flavor, and a sprinkle of festive magic. Little did I know, I was in for an unforgettable 7-course adventure that would redefine everything I thought I knew about afternoon tea.

And let’s not FORGET the cakes!

Just when it seemed impossible to eat another bite, it was time for cake! Each dessert was lovingly handcrafted by Serena of Cobi & Coco. There was a rich red velvet individual sponge cake, a macaroon (my personal favorite), and a sweet butter tartlet topped with traditional fruit, each one a delightful treat to finish the meal.

About Maria Bradford

The founder and head chef of Shwen Shwen is passionate about bringing traditional Sierra Leonean and Afro-fusion cuisine to life. The name “Shwen Shwen,” derived from the Krio word for “fancy,” reflects the vibrant and artful style of the dishes created. Specialising in dinner parties, weddings, and corporate events, Shwen Shwen uses the colorful culinary traditions of Sierra Leone to connect people through food.

Born and raised in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital, the chef developed a deep love for African recipes, fresh local ingredients, and the joy of cooking for family and friends. To expand their culinary expertise, they attended Leiths School of Food and Wine, deepening their understanding of cooking theory and solidifying a professional future in the food industry.

Since founding the business in 2017, Shwen Shwen has grown to include an online product range featuring Salone Fire Chili Sauce, Salone Spark, and a selection of juices and mixers, as well as their own white and pink sparkling prosecco. This evolution has transformed a lifelong passion into a thriving enterprise, introducing Sierra Leonean and Afro-fusion flavors to a wider audience. Their social media presence has grown steadily, progressing from Nano to Micro and now approaching Mid-tier influence.

In 2021, Maria signed with Quadrille to publish the debut cookbook Sweet Salone, available in hardback in the UK, US, and Australia from July 2023. Recognised for their contributions to the culinary world, they were featured in The Guardian’s OFM 50 in 2022 and have appeared in BBC Good Food, Olive Magazine, Women and Home, The Good Food Guide, Fine Food Digest, Love Food, The METRO, Kent Life, Resy Mag, The Grocer, and more.

Awarded the BIH Spotlight Award for African Food and the Salone Oscars for Outstanding Contribution to Culinary Arts in 2022, Shwen Shwen continues to bring Sierra Leonean cuisine to a global stage, sharing the rich flavors and heritage of their homeland.

Maria is set to open a restaurant in Sevenoaks in 2025, and it’s definitely worth keeping on your radar—you won’t be disappointed!

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Yvette x

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