Two "unapologetically expensive" delis are to being sold just months after launching in former JC Rook & Sons butchers units.

Owners of the P&R Italian stores in Sittingbourne and Maidstone, say it is due to the cost of living crisis.

However, their branch in Tunbridge Wells is to remain open.

The stores sell fresh and dry food imported from Italy, including pizzas, pastries and desserts.

William Pucci, who helps to run the store, said: "We just didn't have enough staff to continue running the business and we just weren't making enough money.

"Our business model, of having expensive foods imported from Italy, just didn't mix with the current cost of living crisis.

"We're taking the closure hard but we just weren't making enough money to pay the bills.

"We don't want to become bankrupt so that is why we've made this difficult decision, it breaks my heart."

The family are selling the lease for the Maidstone unit, which opened in The Mall in August — with its premises licence and £100,000 of equipment — for £29,990.

Its five-year lease on the unit in Sittingbourne High Street, which opened in June, is being sold for £11,000, again with £100,000 of fittings, with rent paid up until February next year.

The family snapped up the units after Rooks butchers’ chain, which had 11 shops across Kent, went into administration without warning in March.

Some 155 staff were made redundant after the pandemic took its toll on the 50-year-old firm.

At the time of the Sittingbourne P&R shop's launch William said: “It’s a little bit more expensive, but it’s quality.

“It’s healthy, good for your body and it tastes great.

“So we’re not going to apologise for being a little bit more expensive, and you have got to keep in mind we do have to pay shipping all the way from Italy.”

William told KentOnline this week: "We had many people come into our stores and say how beautiful it was.

"But sadly they weren't able to buy anything and compliments don't pay the bills.

"We've lost about £50,000 but we really hope whoever else buys this unit and everything inside can turn it into something else wonderful."

The owners now hope to now put all their time, effort and remaining cash into their Tunbridge Wells flagship store.

William finished: "We just want to thank everyone for their support.

"We are in no way blaming the customers for our closure and we look forward to still serving them at our Tunbridge Wells shop."