MasterChef star Larkin Cen returns to Celtic Manor Resort
Larkin Cen, who reached the finals of MasterChef in 2013, is back at the Celtic Manor Resort, where his culinary journey began.
The Cardiff-born chef, who was originally trained as a lawyer, swapped the courtroom for the kitchen after his success on the BBC show.
He went on to open Cen at Celtic Manor Resort in 2016, a bold Asian dining concept that quickly earned recognition for its fusion of traditional Chinese flavours and contemporary flair.
Following a successful three years at the five-star resort, Larkin expanded his culinary vision by creating his own fast casual noodle and bao bar brand chain, now called XO.
He later appeared on The Great British Menu before returning to the Celtic Manor Resort in 2023 with The Monkey King, a pop-up dining experience inspired by the legendary Chinese novel Journey to the West.
Nearly a decade since his first venture at Celtic Manor, Larkin returns with a fresh new vision for his residency at the resort's renamed Asian restaurant – PAD by Larkin Cen.
Guests can look forward to a vibrant, refined menu, shaped by Larkin's journey from his parents' Chinese takeaway kitchen to national TV screens.
A standout feature of the new menu is the Legendary Peking Duck Experience (£60 per person), an indulgent celebration of Peking duck, where the whole duck is served and cooked classically.
The à la carte menu also showcases innovative Asian tapas, large plates and a Curries of Asia section plus set sharing menus offering diners the chance to sample a range of Larkin's signature dishes.
Chef Larkin Cen said: "Returning to Celtic Manor Resort feels like coming full circle.
"My vision has always been to take the traditional dishes I grew up with and elevate them into something beautiful, combining authenticity with creativity.
"This new menu is a celebration of classic Asian flavours, presented in a fresh and exciting way and served in the wonderful surroundings of the resort.
"I'm looking forward to returning to my roots and picking up where we left off."
Celtic Manor Resort operations director David Griffin added: "We're delighted to welcome back such a talented and inspiring chef and look forward to this exciting new chapter in our shared culinary journey with the launch of PAD by Larkin Cen.
"We know Larkin will create a truly special dining experience for our guests to enjoy."
Larkin's new menu is available at PAD by Larkin Cen, with dinner service available from 6pm to 9.30pm.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Alan Yentob's last interview to be broadcast on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer
Alan Yentob's last interview, When Alan Yentob Met Jenny Saville, will be broadcast on Sunday 8 June on BBC Two and iPlayer. Jenny Saville is one of the most successful figurative painters working today, first coming to prominence as part of the YBA movement in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She has been reluctant to discuss her work for many years on television, until now. Alan Yentob was working with Jenny on a film for his imagine strand and earlier this year, they met in Vienna on the eve of two major exhibitions she is mounting. This was the last interview Alan Yentob conducted in a career spanning six decades at the BBC, bringing many of the world's leading artists and creatives to the screen. Alan also persuaded Jenny to allow cameras into her painting studio for the first time in almost three decades. Suzy Klein, Head of Arts and Classical Music TV says: 'Alan Yentob was a titan of arts broadcasting and a passionate supporter of so many of the leading creative artists of the last half century. His final interview, in conversation with Jenny Saville, is testament to his relentless curiosity and advocacy for the arts across many decades - part of a night dedicated to celebrating his work as a programme maker, channel controller and visionary television executive.' Jenny Saville says: 'Alan and I were beginning to work on a documentary about my paintings from across the years. It was an honour to know Alan, who I'd met in my early twenties and we reconnected to make this film.' When Alan Yentob Met Jenny Saville airs as part of a tribute night on Sunday on BBC Two and iPlayer alongside some of the legendary programme maker's best loved films, including imagine… Mel Brooks: Unwrapped, imagine… David Bowie: Cracked Actor, Salman Rushdie: Through a Glass Darkly, imagine… Diana Athill: Growing Old Disgracefully, imagine… Tom Stoppard: A Charmed Life, and Ella Fitzgerald at Ronnie Scott's, as well as Alan's iconic BBC Two idents, from 9.15pm. When Alan Yentob met Jenny Saville is a BBC Studios production for BBC Arts. The Producer / Director is John O'Rourke and the Executive Producer is Tanya Hudson. The commissioning editor for BBC Arts is Mark Bell. Watch When Alan Yentob met Jenny Saville on BBC iPlayer AM2
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
Freddy Brazier announces he's going to rehab to 'get clean' after sad fallout with dad
Freddy Brazier, 20, has revealed he's going to rehab in Spain to get clean after battling a smoking addiction since age 12 Freddy Brazier has announced he is heading to rehab in Spain as he battles a long-standing addiction. The 20-year-old, youngest son of Jeff Brazier and the late Jade Goody, revealed he has been addicted to smoking since the age of 12 and is now taking steps to 'get clean.' The move follows reports of a strained relationship with his father Jeff, leading Freddy to leave the family home and move in with his maternal grandmother, Jackiey Budden, Mirror reports. On Instagram, Freddy opened up about his decision to seek treatment, saying: "I've decided that I will be cutting down and I want to go to Rehab In Marbs as I feel if I'm in England I won't take getting clean seriously." He described smoking as a "bad coping mechanism that turned into an addiction, something I relied on and something that made me feel sane and some what OK." Yet now, Freddy is determined to turn his life around. "I've found a boxing club and a rehabilitation centre. Ive found someone I want to get to know and I'm happy. I got a good bunch of friends and I [want to] get out and enjoy myself." His goal is clear. "I want to be clean so I can live happily and have healthy relationships with people and be there for all of my family rather then feeling like I'm in the middle and have to choose a side." Freddy also reflected on his struggle to feel loved, admitting, "I haven't been able to feel loved properly as I have never loved myself and it starts now." He hopes to embrace a new chapter, sharing: "I want to play football and take up boxing I want to be happy and be in a healthy relationship and have a healthy relationship with my Nana and my father." The young man ended his heartfelt message with a plea for privacy and understanding: "Every day is a new story about me and my Nana and father. It's getting boring now. Mind your business and have a good rest of the week x." Concerns about Freddy's wellbeing have grown this week after news emerged that he had moved out of his father's home to live with Jackiey Budden. Freddy and Jeff had previously been seen sharing a close bond, notably on the BBC series Race Across the World last year. However, their relationship now appears fractured, with Freddy growing closer to his late mother Jade's mother. Reports say Jeff is devastated by the situation and is considering legal action to prevent Freddy and his grandmother from spending time together. Defying his father's wishes, Freddy has continued to share photos with his grandmother on social media. One recent post alarmed fans as he listed the things he hates about himself, including his 'relationship with weed,' 'step parents,' and his inability to love properly. He also mentioned having 'family issues.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The TikTok video was shared just a day before what would have been Jade Goody's 44th birthday. The late Big Brother star died aged 27 in 2009 after a battle with cervical cancer. Supporters flooded Freddy's post with messages of encouragement. One TikTok user wrote, "Ah man this is gonna be sad to watch," while another said, "Go home son, this is not what mum wanted for you sweetheart." A third added, "Sending you love Fred! Watched you in Race Across the World & you're such a decent lad with so much potential." The tension within the family extends beyond his father. Freddy was absent from his older brother Bobby's 22nd birthday party on Monday, an event reportedly marked by a "sadness" due to his absence. Bobby was said to have spent time with Jeff and his stepmother Kate instead. Freddy was just four when Jade passed away. Since then, Jeff has dedicated himself to raising Freddy and Bobby, striving to provide stability after such a traumatic loss.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Doctor Who's Billie Piper and David Tennant 'to reunite' for special episode
Just days after it was revealed that Billie Piper was returning to Doctor Who, replacing Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor, another legendary name has been tipped to make a comeback Doctor Who fans may be in for another huge surprise, as another fan favourite is rumoured to return to the series. Fans are still recovering from the news of Billie Piper's return - and now show legend David Tennant has now been tipped reunite with her onscreen for "one last hurrah". David, who played the role of the Doctor between from 2005 to 2010, is rumoured to be in talks to star in a one off special with co-star Billie. The actress previously appeared as Rose Tyler, companion to the doctor between 2005 and 2006. The pair recently reunited for the BBC special, Doctor Who: Unleashed, 20 Years in Wales where they reflected on their time together. In a sneak preview, Billie and David gushed over how much fun they had on set. Now, it looks like they could be having even more fun - by reuniting for a special anniversary episode. 'The BBC brought Doctor Who back in 2005 and there is talk about a possible one-off project to celebrate the 20th anniversary. David and Billie were a hugely popular partnership and he brought in the golden age of Doctor Who," a source told The Sun. "With the anniversary of the reboot this year there have been some ideas floated about with the idea of maybe bringing David and Billie back together for one last hurrah." It's not the first time David would be making a shock return. In November 2023, he was officially revealed as the Fourteenth Doctor before handing the role over to Ncuti Gatwa. Recently, Doctor Who fans were left stunned when it was announced Billie Piper had replaced Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor, with the character regenerating during the finale of science-fiction series Doctor Who. Speaking about her return, Billie said: "It's no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse as I have some of my best memories there, so to be given the opportunity to step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I couldn't refuse." In a statement released by the BBC, Ncuti Gatwa said: "You know when you get cast, at some point you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it. "This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever. There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe. "The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show, and I can't thank the Whoniverse, and the Whovians, enough for welcoming me in and making this such a touching experience. "I've loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have. I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor."
