Cooking up a storm-ing TV hit: Acclaimed Asian restaurant entrepreneur and head chef, Larkin Cen, to appear on primetime show

Owner of award-winning Woky Ko to represent Wales in nationwide competition between UK’s top chefs

Owner of award-winning Woky Ko to represent Wales in nationwide competition between UK’s top chefs

Representing the region where he grew up in his parent’s Cardiff Chinese takeaway, owner and head chef of Bristol’s much-loved Woky Ko Asian restaurants, Larkin Cen, is set to appear on this year’s highly-anticipated season of BBC Two and iPlayer’s hit series, Great British Menu.

Joining a stellar line-up of top chefs to represent Wales in the third weekly instalment of the popular programme - Larkin will battle it out in the kitchen for a chance to cook at the ultimate end-of-season banquet. The theme of this year’s series is a celebration of 100 years of British Broadcasting, with each participating chef tasked with creating mesmerising dishes that both represent their region as well as television itself.

With the three Wales episodes set to air from Tuesday 15th - Thursday 17th February, Larkin, Nathan Davies, Tom Phillips and Mark Threadgill, will attempt to impress a mystery veteran chef with a show-stopping starter, fish course, main and dessert.

Based on traditional Chinese flavours, Larkin’s food illustrates his refined and intricate style of Chinese cooking. As a self-confessed ‘noodle obsessive’, he hopes that a combination of his authentic Asian techniques and competitive nature will take him all the way to the banquet. His playful menu celebrates popular Welsh-based children’s programme, Fireman Sam, and showcases his impressive knowledge of Asian cooking methods.

Presented by chef, television and radio broadcaster and singer, Andi Oliver, the new series welcomes a new judging line-up of Michelin-starred GBM double banquet winner, Tom Kerridge; Restaurateur Nisha Katona, and Comedian and Food Podcast Presenter, Ed Gamble.

Tune in on BBC Two and iPlayer from Tuesday 1st February at 8pm, for what the trailer promises to be the hunt for “exceptional magic”.

Notes to Editors

Founded in 2017, Woky Ko is Bristol’s answer to authentic Asian food with a modern twist. With four restaurants placed across the city, each with a unique offering, Woky Ko’s menus deliver traditional Taiwanese bao, truly authentic Chinese Chow Mein, Japanese Katsu as well as some modern takes like Korean Fried Chicken and signature noodle dishes!

About Larkin Cen

2013 MasterChef finalist, Larkin’s interest in food began as a child - watching his parents cook in their Cardiff Chinese takeaway - but it wasn’t until five years ago that he gave up his profession as a lawyer to pursue a career as a chef.

He was chef consultant at The Celtic Manor for three years, before opening his own restaurant Woky Ko. Larkin’s techniques and methods are rooted in Chinese heritage, but with influence from all over Asia and he now owns four restaurants in Bristol with a development kitchen in Wales.

You can follow Larkin on Twitter and Instagram.