My Weekend - Maria Bradford
The 44-year-old chef-patron of Sierra Leonean restaurant Shwen Shwen lives in Rainham, Kent, with husband Ben, daughter Charlie, 19, son Chase, 11, and giant schnauzer Rudi
Tea or coffee? Coffee – black, no sugar, from my bean-to-cup machine – then I head straight to the restaurant. I’m working seven days a week because I’ve just opened, and we’re still finding our feet.
Breakfast or brunch?
I’m not really a breakfast person, so I crack straight on. We have a staff lunch at 3.30, and take it in turns to cook. One of the chefs is Jamaican, one is Nigerian, one is English, so it could be anything, and it’s usually lovely.
What’s popular at Shwen Shwen?
A slow-cooked short rib in a coconut and peanut butter sauce with warming spices, and a whole marinated sea bass wrapped and roasted in banana leaf. Both are very traditional.
What’s in your shopping trolley?
If I’m relaxing at weekends, Ben and Jerry’s. I’m lactose intolerant, but I don’t care – I’m going to eat half a tub. I love quiche, and Chase is also a fan, but I don’t have time to make it, so I buy it. Also avocado, beetroot and snacky bits. Go-to comfort food?
My husband’s cooking. He’s a terrible cook, but he’s good at making unhealthy dishes. He’ll do a fry-up, a Spanish omelette or cheese on toast and it’s just a pile of cheese. We say: “Dad’s cooking – heart attack on a plate!”
Weekend tipple?
Gin and tonic. Rhubarb and ginger gin is my favourite, and last year I made gin with rosehips and damsons that Ben foraged. I’m saving it for the restaurant, but if I’m at home I’ll try a little bit.
Dinner party: host or attend?
Before the restaurant, I’d have said host. But I like to be invited and don’t mind if you just boil some pasta, as long as you’re cooking for me!
Sweet or savoury snacks?
Crisps – boring old cheese and onion. But I do like a Malteser.
Pub grub or restaurant?
Restaurant. Bōkan in Canary Wharf does a lovely Sunday brunch. They’re on the 37th floor, and I love the views over London. They do bottomless Prosecco – that’s another reason why I go there.
Sunday lunch?
Roast chicken stued with citrus and herbs. We have it with roast potatoes, and I also do some African sides, maybe cassava or yams. I always do big portions, because everyone loves a leftover.
Takeaway of choice?
Chefs of India [in Chatham]. Ben told them that I’m a chef, so whenever he goes to get the takeaway, the guy there tries to introduce me to new things. He always says: “Maria would like this,” and he’s right!
A Sierra Leonean dish everyone should try?
Cassava leaf. It looks like a green curry, and is rich and comforting. We cook it with peanut butter, smoked fish, butter beans and coconut milk. We always have it in the freezer. The family panics when we run low.
Hot drink before bed?
I’m usually home from the restaurant by 12.30. I have a cup of tea, and watch some rubbish on social media. Ben says: “You do know your alarm’s going to go off in six hours?” But I have to unwind.
