The man behind a pop-up prosecco bar at a disused seafront paddling pool is now serving up sausages Italian style.

Last summer at Walmer's locked-down splash pool, Craig Selby parked up his VW Camper which he'd converted into a mobile drinks bar.

Usually a regular at outdoor events, he looked to diversify when the pandemic forced big name events like the Isle of Wight Festival to cancel.

Site owners Dover District Council granted him permission to trade there in return for a charitable donation from his profits which Mr Selby made to the tune of £1,000 to Deal Hospital in October.

He says Deal proved such a good trading spot so he decided to utilise his Italian contacts from importing prosecco. With a range of ready meals, buffalo mozzerella and ready to eat snacks, he has pitched up one of his campers at Deal Saturday Market and each week is a sell-out..

He said: "I believe Deal was crying out for good imported Italian goods. My contacts have helped me source the best olive oil, best pastas, chocolates, good range of columba coming up for Easter. It's a nice addition to the food offer already in Deal."

Mr Selby's love of Italian food and drink stemmed from his passion for Italian vehicles. He would visit the country when he was younger to buy Lambretta scooters. In fact all the motors he buys are from the country including the German VW variety.

Customers might note the VW van looks different to his Mr Prosecco vehicle at the paddling pool in the summer. That's because it is.

Both were named after someone who has helped him along his entrepreneurial journey.

VW Walter was the Mr Prosecco vehicle and Deal Deli is powered by Salvatori, named after an Italian contact in London who helped Mr Selby find the best food producers.

He has already begun collaborating with local businesses at the market starting with the Black Pig Butchers who source the meat needed for his weekly speciality sausages, representing a different region of Italy each Saturday.

Deal Market is still operating through lockdown, with vendors of food and essential items still trading from 9am at the Union Road car park each Saturday.

Deal Deli is serving sell-out goods like buffalo mozzerella, raviolli, parmigiana, chilli balls, vegan foccaccia pizza slices and meat ragu.

You can find them on insta @deal_deli and by searching Deal Deli on facebook.

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