As the clock strikes 12:45 p.m., Marko Milovic (’16) and his friends know that it is time to head down to Abbey Road to meet their friend and proud owner of Bruno’s Deli, Bruno Nobrega.

Milovic and Nobrega have an unusual relationship.  “I know the people really well, so it’s always good to go [to Bruno’s Deli],” Milovic said. “As I go there about two to three times a week, I have built a close relationship with both Bruno and Hugo [Antonio], co-owners of Bruno’s. Conversations with Bruno are really unique; he’s really funny, and a chill guy overall. It’s almost as if he’s one of us [students].”

Bruno’s is a traditional Italian deli that serves fresh food as well as Italian groceries.  With the menu ranging from a variety of pastas to a vast selection of paninis, including the iconic “Number Seven” chicken salad sandwich, a student can get a range of tradtional Italian foods for under £11.

Similarly to Milovic, Alex von Daehne (’15) only has praise for the Italian business. Von Daehne has been going to Bruno’s since his freshman year, and believes that it is the best option for cheap food near school.

Like Milovic, von Daehne is close to the the co-owners. “I would say that the relationship between Hugo and me is quite close; we are on a first name basis,” von Daehne said.

For Nobrega, ASL students are more than just customers. “My relationship with some of [the students] is very good, and I would consider them friends, as well as clients,” Nobrega said.

According to Nobrega ASL students benefit his “quick and cheap business,” estimating that “50 percent of our income is from ASL students.”

Nobrega saw St. John’s Wood as a different place to open a business. “When I first opened this restaurant, I realized that there were no other businesses similar to Bruno’s in this area, so I went for it. My intention for this deli was to build a friendly atmosphere,” Nobrega said.

Von Daehne believes that Nobrega’s intentions for the deli have been achieved. “It’s always fun to talk to him as he is really nice, funny and always seems interested in our conversations, which is very special for a deli owner,” he said.

Nobrega has always considered socializing one of his best characteristics, even from a young age. Nobrega translates this into his business. As he said, he “puts customer satisfaction above everything.”

Since immigrating to England from Portugal when he turned 17, Nobrega has been involved in the food business, from making fresh pasta and sauces in a factory, to delivering food to major restaurants in London. “I learned the restaurant trade from the people I delivered to, all the Italian restaurants and businesses. I used to talk with the chefs and owners of these restaurants and delicatessens,” he said. “All these people opened up my mind, and gave me this idea of opening up a deli.”

Nobrega believes that his upbringing in Portugal has played a massive role in the success of his business. “My parents put me through school and college in Madeira, and I learned from there. My family is very, very proud and happy with this.”

Nobrega is proud of his flourishing business and wouldn’t have it any other way. “I took a risk,” he said. “But it was definitely worthwhile.”