A Mediterranean deli is set to replace JC Rook & Sons in Sittingbourne High Street.

There was widespread shock and disappointment when the butchers’ chain, which had 11 shops across Kent, went into administration without warning in March.

The store has been empty since but today (Wednesday) it is set to open as P & R Italian Shop, offering fresh and dry food imported from Italy.

It is being run by Giggi Rosa and Claudio Pucci, who own The Italian Shop with branches in Tunbridge Wells, Westerham and Oxted.

Giggi’s cousin, William Pucci, will be supporting his family as the store begins serving customers.

He said: “Giggi used to have a store back in Italy, but four years ago he opened his first store in Westerham and now we’re going from strength to strength.”

The family also hope to open more shops in Kent – in Maidstone and Gillingham.

William added: “From our sauces, to our cheeses, to our pizzas, to our pastries, it’s all imported, we have palettes that come in from Italy every day.

“Sittingbourne doesn’t really have a place that just does Italian and there’s a lot of people out there that would love to make a great carbonara but they don’t know how to buy the right ingredients to make it the proper Italian way.

“So not only can they buy the ingredients here but we will also help them with recipes.

“It’s a little bit more than just a grocery store, we have a place you could sit down and have a slice of pizza and that’s why we’ve already been bombarded with people walking by very excited.”

Named after Giggi’s daughter, the store is offering its first customers a 10% welcome discount if they mention ‘John sent you’ when at the till, as well as free pizza to the first 50 people through the doors.

William finished: “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.”

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