Up and coming chef Lloyd Ryland and entrepreneur Ryan Thomas have joined forces to upgrade the offer for visitors at Neath Port Talbot’s popular Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre.
The business partners have been granted a new lease of the visitor centre and campsite by Neath Port Talbot Council and plan to open an upmarket café, restaurant and takeaway at the Afan Valley attraction.
The centre’s new restaurant, known as ‘Base at Afan Forest Park’ has Lloyd Ryland as its creative chef.
A former engineer whose love of food and cooking led him to his current career, Lloyd uses top quality local products including ‘wild dining’ style use of local mushrooms, herbs and other foods growing in the area.
Ryan Thomas, joint leaseholder of the centre, said:
“There is huge potential here and we have ambitious plans for the café/ restaurant including a mouth-watering food offer and extending opening hours. And as part of phase two of the project, subject to planning permission, we would like to establish glamping pods and quality lodges in the campsite as well as offering yoga, meditation and other wellness therapies.
“A growing number of people come to the Afan Valley for its relaxing, peaceful, natural surroundings and we hope to offer a welcoming retreat here along with providing high quality food – with vegetarian and vegan options – and drinks and a bit of luxury in terms of accommodation.
“We look forward to growing the business here in Afan Forest Park and to welcoming the many visitors attracted by the stunning woodlands, mountain biking and cycling trails and walks this area offers.”
