Popular with cyclists and walkers in the Afan Valley of South Wales, Afan Lodge has appointed Simon Bevan as its new General Manager.

Gelli-born and bred, Simon Bevan has worked and travelled internationally within the hospitality industry. Now he’s bringing his decades of experience in hospitality home to the Afan Valley.

Bevan’s qualification in Hotel Management led him to start his career as the Trainee Manager of a nightclub in Derby.  He then went on to become an ‘Openings Manager’, a role which would see him launching new-build and refurbished venues.

Fast forward a few years, and outside of the UK, Simon went on to manage hotels in France, Jamacia and hospitality venues in Lithuania and Houston, Texas.  But then home called, and he came back to the UK to manage leisure facilities, including Gala Bingo and Bowlplex complexes.

“I feel as though I’ve truly come full circle,” he said, “I’m very happy to be a part of the Welsh community once again and especially pleased to be leading the growth of Afan Lodge as a hotel, bar and restaurant.  I’m excited to help it grow and to further embed it within our community.”

Afan Lodge itself is owned and managed by the Pen-Y-Cymoedd Community Interest Company (PyC CIC), which aims to safeguard its future as a community asset.

“PyC CIC continually works to ensure that Afan Lodge continues to develop as a prime tourism destination, that it adds economic value, and continues to be an important employer within the Afan Valley.  Simon’s appointment is the next step in this strategic aim for the hotel, and we are delighted to welcome him,” said Paula Marsh, who sits on Afan Lodge’s Board of Directors.

The hotel is located in the heart of the Afan Valley; thanks to its location on many of Wales' exciting trails, it attracts cyclists and walkers from across Wales and the rest of the UK.  The hotel is also well-known in the local community for its high-quality Sunday lunch menu, for which booking is recommended, and its daily restaurant fayre, which patrons can enjoy whilst enjoying beautiful views across the Afan Valley.

For more information, visit www.afanlodge.wales