Masterchef star Larkin Cen's Celtic Manor restaurant has been replaced with a new Asian diner

The restaurant launched at Celtic Manor Resort by former Masterchef finalist Larkin Cen has made way for a new diner.

Located in the Manor House at the five-star resort on the outskirts of Newport, Cen opened in February 2016 and was renowned for its Asian fusion dishes.

But Cen - who appeared in the 2013 series - is no longer involved with the hotel's restaurant, which has been replaced with a new Asian diner called Pad.

Instead, Cen - who previously ran the short-lived Hokkei takeaway in Cardiff with fellow Welsh contestant Dale Williams - is concentrating on his Woky Ko restaurants in Bristol and is planning on opening a branch in the Welsh capital later this year.

Meanwhile, Pad is now serving the hotel's guests a similar menu to Cen, featuring fresh, contemporary Asian cuisine.

One of the dishes which was served at Cen (Cen/Celtic Manor)

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A joint statement from Larkin Cen and the Celtic Manor Resort said "The contract between Larkin Cen and the Celtic Manor Resort to operate Cen restaurant at the Manor House has expired after a two-year term and has not been renewed by mutual consent.

"Larkin continues to expand other successful restaurant ventures elsewhere with a third Woky Ko restaurant opening in Bristol this month.

"The Celtic Manor Resort team of chefs, which has developed dishes alongside Larkin at Cen restaurant, has refined a similar menu featuring fresh, contemporary Asian cuisine at its new Pad restaurant in the same space at the Manor House.

"The Celtic Manor Resort would like to thank Larkin for his culinary innovation and the successful partnership that has been enjoyed for two years at Cen restaurant. The resort wishes Larkin every success with his exciting restaurant ventures in the future.

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"Larkin Cen would like to thank the Celtic Manor Resort for providing the perfect location for his first restaurant project and the support of the resort’s experienced and talented team."

Pad is one of seven restaurants at the Celtic Manor Resort, which has three hotels on site. The others are Steak On Six, Rafters, The Grill, The Olive Tree and The Rib.

There's also the 200-year-old country inn Newbridge On Usk, which is located a short distance away from the main resort.