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.”
