A Powys hotel that dates back to the 17th century, is set to re-open later this summer under new owners after being sold.

A revamped version of The Cock Hotel, in Forden near Welshpool, will be reopening its doors to “welcome customers both old and new” as its new owners take up the task of running the Mid Wales pub and restaurant.

Re-opening as The Cock & Wok, the pub will be unveiling its new look under the ownership of Pippa Hunter and Chef Michael Tan on Saturday, August 31.

A spokesperson for the business said: “Pippa has a diverse background in catering, art and design, mindfulness, wellbeing and business management. She has experience of setting up and managing businesses both in the UK and India.

“Having spent 20 years in India Pippa successfully set up and ran a beach bar and restaurant before returning home with her young son.

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Michael trained as a chef in the UK before travelling to Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar.

“He finally settled in Malaysia where he successfully set up and ran Tanners Restaurant in Bukit Tunku, an affluent residential area in Kuala Lumper. During this time his clientele consisted of ex-pats, embassy staff, wealthy locals, politicians, celebrities and a few Royals. He also provided private catering services for clients in their own homes.

“After appearing on Malaysian Breakfast Television, featuring in hospitality magazines and giving regular radio interviews, he decided he wanted to spend more time with his wife and three young children and moved to Penang to work for a mining company.

“After 20 years in Malaysia, following the aftermath of Covid, Michael returned to the UK with his family in 2022 and is now looking forward to returning to his roots as a chef.”

Dating back to the 1600s, the pub has experienced an eventful few years recently. In January 2023 it was struck by a fire in the kitchen that took fourteen firefighters to extinguish, though fortunately no one was hurt. In March 2024 the building was put up for sale with an asking price of £350,000.

The statement added: “The ethos of the team is to create a friendly, welcoming environment for families and friends to enjoy good food, or just a drink, or both in a relaxed atmosphere, where East meets West.

“The aim is to create a harmonious fusion of Southeast Asian food and not forgetting those of you who enjoy a decent Sunday Lunch with the best of what Wales has to offer.”