Giovanni Pilla_DELI OWNER

Giovanni arrived in Ponders End from rural southern Italy in 1968, part of a generation that left the countryside in search of work. He began with agricultural labour, bound by permits that controlled where he could live and work, before slowly building a life through manufacturing and family. Over decades he witnessed the area at its most prosperous — when factories were active, money was easier, and rules felt clearer — and its gradual decline as industry disappeared and regulation loosened. After running a successful fur factory and employing a diverse workforce, global manufacturing shifts and the pandemic forced him to adapt, leading to the creation of an Italian deli that now serves a multi-ethnic community. Grounded, pragmatic, and quietly proud, Giovanni values order, work, and community, expressing both frustration with neglect and cautious hope that the area, like others before it, might one day recover.

This is Southbury Art Trail

‘This Is Southbury Art Trail’ is a new creative placemaking initiative celebrating the Southbury and Ponders End neighbourhood shaped by community, resilience and industry. The new public art trail weaves together 3D portraits, poetry, and local voices to honour Southbury’s identity and bring everyday stories into the public realm.

DYSPLA, an award-winning art studio in Enfield, was commissioned by Enfield Council to deliver this innovative digital art and 3D sculptural project working with 30 community members, to shape this bold new public art trail and offers a wonderful opportunity for local people to come together and shape who they are, where they live and how their work is shaping the area.