4th August 2025
This August, Jess speaks to Fabrizio & Lola Bussi, owners of Bussi’s Bites in Westerham, the restaurant and deli specialising in Italian and Jamaican food. Members receive a free glass of house wine or prosecco when ordering a main course of £15 or more, as a thank you for supporting local.
Bussi’s Bites is such a unique mix of Italian and Jamaican food. What gave you the idea to bring those two together?
Lola: At a glance, looking at the two of us, the idea kinda speaks for itself I suppose. Seriously, at the outset it wasn’t the full concept, Fab wanted to share his love of food and with a desire to do it simply. The offering of Italian Piadine wraps and prosecco from his culture, Jamaican patties and rum punch to reflect my Jamaican culture was the idea that emerged at the beginning but, on the doorstep of the restaurant before we even officially opened, a passer-by asked if we will serve brown stew and dumplings or jerk chicken with rice and peas; the bigger picture emerged and here we are!
What inspired you to open your own restaurant and deli in Westerham?
Lola/Fab: Westerham is a beautiful town, isn’t it? We discovered this area by chance and both Fab and I worked locally for different companies for a short period of time. As a matter of fact we both supported the elderly first owner of what was The Italian Shop for two years during lockdown and because of that we met a few families with whom we became friends. Although, when we decided to start a business, we had looked much further afield and again by chance stumbled upon this place one day after coming into the town to do some shopping on Market Square.
What are your backgrounds and how your love of food began?
Fabrizio: growing up on a farm with my grandfather I learnt a lot about the value of fresh home-grown foods. I’m Italian and I love good food. I spent 40 plus years of my life as a musician and a very good one too and over the latter part of those years developed a passion for cooking, good honest fresh foods. When we lived in London we ran a supper club from our flat in Clapham, I was constantly trying new things, searching for new and inspired recipes – oh my gosh, I would spend hours in supermarkets and on market food stalls pondering new tastes, not to mention hours of tv cooking programmes for flavours and menu ideas; followed by hours in our kitchen putting Ideas to the test.
Lola: Oh my gosh, did I eat well!
Do you have a favourite dish on your menu?
Fab: Not really; each is an inspiration and I’m proud to share these meals
Lola: As a testament to Fab’s passion, our EHO 5 Star is earned by his efforts for freshness and flavourful foods served with my warm smiles. That said, our Jerk Chicken, Fresh Trofie Pasta, our Pinsa Pizza and TiRUMisu are among our top sellers.
How has Westerham and our local community responded to your food?
Lola: It’s been a journey, hasn’t it Fab? With hands on our hearts, I have to say those who have dined with us welcome our service and food, and we’ve been fortunate to have made some close associations with several Westerham families. – Guys, you know who you are, and we THANK YOU WITH ALL OUR HEART for your honest support and embrace.
As a small independent, what does local support mean to you?
Local support means a great deal to a small business. The community can and will observe a business’s impact on the environment and their support and custom can help to add value when they share great experiences with family and friends or talk to us by sharing their joys or concerns. We run our business and may not be able to respond to all comments, however we do listen. Our community is important.
What would you say to someone who dreams of opening their own restaurant?
Lola: Follow your dreams, do your research, don’t give in to doubt – just know it can be fun as well as tough!
And finally, what’s next for Bussi’s Bites? Where would you love to be in five years?
Lola/Fab: We have a few ideas in the pipeline for the business! Home is where the heart is so with our cat and hopefully a dog - Fab has always wanted one and will have time to care for one.