Chef Larkin Cen returns to Celtic Manor Resort

Acclaimed chef Larkin Cen is returning to Wales’ Celtic Manor Resort, bringing his signature style of modern Asian cuisine back to where his culinary career first began. 

Asian restaurant PAD by Larkin Cen opened on 5 May.

Cardiff-born and originally trained as a lawyer, Cen (pictured) became a full-time chef after reaching the finals of MasterChef in 2013.

He went on to open Cen at Celtic Manor Resort in 2016, before creating his own fast casual noodle and bao bar brand chain, now called XO. 

Following his appearance on The Great British Menu, he returned to the Celtic Manor Resort in 2023 with The Monkey King, a pop-up dining experience inspired by the Chinese novel Journey to the West. 

Cen is back once again

Nearly a decade since his first venture at the Welsh resort, Cen returns with a fresh new vision for his residency at Celtic Manor’s renamed Asian restaurant PAD by Larkin Cen.

Guests can look forward to a menu shaped by his 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), a celebration of Peking duck, where the whole duck is served and cooked classically. 

The à la carte menu showcases Asian tapas, large plates and a Curries of Asia section, plus set sharing menus offering diners the chance to sample a range of signature dishes. 

"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," says Celtic Manor Resort operations director David Griffin. "We know Larkin will create a truly special dining experience for our guests to enjoy."

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