Neapolitan restaurant Rustico opens in Hailsham and Eastbourne

The company, which was founded in 2015, is bucking the trends expanding in what has been a difficult year for many businesses.

The business, which partner Claudio Ganadu describes as an ‘independent family of eateries’, has branches in Hastings, Bexhill, Battle, Lewes, Brighton, Hove and now Eastbourne and Hailsham.

Offering collection and delivery of freshly cooked Neapolitan street food, Claudio is looking forward to when the two new restaurants can officially open their doors to diners.

“We do mainly Pizza and regional cuisine,” he said. “Of course, everyone will recognise us as an Italian restaurant, but the food offer is Neapolitan and South Italian. Pizza is the most popular dish on the menu, but the street food dishes and the homemade cooking is what make us different.

“We also have a little bit of retail, we sell basically anything we use inside a Rustico, from coffee, cannoli pastry, sauces, pasta, and even our own enamel plates, wood boards and cutlery.

On how the business has coped during the pandemic, Claudio said: “During lockdown, we have worked really hard for survival and probably we have been lucky too. We moved all our focus on the collection and delivery side, creating and adjusting the menu offer. We believe our offer is good value for money, and thanks to technology ordering online is much easier than used to be."

Eastbourne restaurant is open for collection and delivery at 53 South Street, and the Hailsham branch opens on Tuesday January 26, at 1 High Street. Both restaurants are open Tuesday to Sunday from 4pm to 9pm for delivery and collection.

To find out more, visit: www.rusticoitaliano.co.uk