A restaurant boss is preparing to say fond farewell to his Italian - the Flying Pasta - after 25 years of success.

Rocco Dileone has owned the Flying Pasta in Westcliff, which is nestled in between Piccolo and Padrino Pizzeria in Shorefield Road, since 1997.

He is now putting the restaurant, overlooking the Thames Estuary, on the market.

He is instead set to start a new business venture in Leigh.

Once lockdown restrictions are lifted, Mr Dileone will be opening a new restaurant on Leigh Road called Gustosi.

Mr Dileone is looking forward to a new challenge at a new restaurant, hoping he can recreate the success the Flying Pasta has enjoyed for years.

He said: “It’s just time to move on and let fresh blood come and do what they can.

“I’ll be sad when it sells but until it’s gone you don’t feel it.

“I’m just happy for the next person to do well out of it like I have.”

Speaking about the opening of his new restaurant, Mr Dileone added: “It’s a new challenge and something that I’m looking forward to.”

The Flying Pasta is now up for sale with Dedman Gray.

Business sales consultant, Gerard Biagioni said: “The owner has been there for getting on 25 years now and he’s got some children which have taken his time away from his business.

“On this particulat stretch of road it’s [Flying Pasta] one of a number of restaurants and they’re all Italian.

“With that location it tends to generate footfall where people go out for an Italian meal and if they don’t get into one they get into another.

2It’s a little bit like little Italy in Westcliff – that’s what I call it.”

Under the current climate, Mr Biagioni said selling businesses can be challenging, but a 25=year ownership speaks volumes of a businesses success.

He added: “Selling these businesses in the current climate is what I call challenging rather than difficult.

“When you come across a business that’s been under the same ownership for 25 years I think that speaks volumes for how successful its been. Lets face it, nobody keeps a business for 25 years if it doesn’t make them a reasonable living.”