Hackney Gelato founder Enrico Pavoncelli on tomatoes, sun and Italian hip-hop

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Hackney Gelato Enrico Pavoncelli

Name: Enrico Pavoncelli

Job title: Founder and master gelatiere

Company: Hackney Gelato

What was your first job? I was a waiter in local bars and a seasonal worker on farms around my hometown. Long hours, tired feet, and always thinking about my next meal.

What’s been your worst job interview? An interview with my dad to become an insurance agent. It was strange trying to look professional while he was trying not to look like my dad. Neither of us enjoyed it.

What was the first music single you bought? Firestarter by The Prodigy – the first one I properly remember. Before that it was probably some Italian hip-hop group that I’ve either forgotten… or am choosing to pretend never happened.

“There are more good ideas than there are hours (or freezer space)”

How do you describe your job to your friends? I usually say I make gelato… and then slowly talk their ear off.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Churning a new flavour after months of development, training a new chef, or sitting down for a tasting with the team. Seeing people’s reactions after that first spoonful is still my favourite part.

What is the least rewarding part? Not being able to make every bespoke flavour customers ask for, even when I really want to. There are more good ideas than there are hours (or freezer space).

Hackney Gelato

What is your motto in life? “Chi dorme non piglia pesci” which roughly translates to “early effort brings reward”.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? Living somewhere sunnier with my family and friends, where we have time to be together and good food is always part of the day.

Do you have any phobias? Bad espresso.

If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? More variety in fresh produce. In Italy you choose between six different types of tomatoes or onions depending on how you cook. I’d love to see that same choice here.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? A Michelin-star restaurant that cooks something new every day.

What animal most reflects your personality? An eagle. I like seeing the bigger picture, but also knowing when to zoom in and get involved.

What’s your favourite film and why? The Matrix. It suggests the world isn’t fully figured out yet. I like that idea.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? Nothing suitable for print.

Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? Maybe Jim Carrey. Creative, unpredictable, and probably very entertaining to work with.

What would your death row meal be? A kilo of fresh handmade tagliatelle with bolognese ragù, a glass of red wine, a Sicilian cannolo the size of my hand – and, of course, great gelato. Just a light meal.