The name Garfield Hackett has gained increasing public attention in recent years, particularly in the UK hospitality and cultural sectors. Best known as the long-time partner of celebrated chef and broadcaster Andi Oliver, Garfield Hackett has also built a reputation of his own through involvement in food ventures, cultural projects, and creative enterprises. Despite maintaining a relatively modest public profile compared to some figures in the culinary world, Hackett has played a key behind-the-scenes role in notable projects such as Wadadli Kitchen and London Pleasure Gardens. His career spans business development, creative direction, and community-focused initiatives. This article provides a detailed, SEO-friendly overview of Garfield Hackett’s life, background, career, business activities, and public presence, separating verified facts from speculation and giving readers a complete understanding of who he is and why he matters.
Who Is Garfield Hackett?
Garfield Hackett is a UK-based entrepreneur and cultural figure best known for:
- Being the partner of chef and TV personality Andi Oliver
- Co-founding and managing hospitality ventures, including Wadadli Kitchen
- His involvement in creative and regeneration projects in London
- Previous directorships in UK-registered companies
Hackett has largely remained outside the spotlight, but his work has intersected with major cultural moments in London’s food and arts scenes.
Early Life and Background
Public records indicate that Garfield Hackett was born in June 1967, making him part of the generation that came of age during the UK’s late-80s and early-90s cultural transformation.
While detailed information about his early upbringing is limited, multiple professional records and media references describe him as:
- Based in East London
- Deeply involved in community-driven creative projects
- Interested in arts, culture, and food entrepreneurship
Unlike many public figures, Hackett has never pursued celebrity status, instead operating behind the scenes in business and production roles.
Relationship With Andi Oliver
One of the main reasons Garfield Hackett became known to the public is through his long-term relationship with Andi Oliver, the British chef, broadcaster, and former lead singer of the band Rip Rig + Panic.
Key facts:
- Hackett and Oliver have been partners for many years
- They live together in East London
- He is the stepfather of TV presenter Miquita Oliver
- They have collaborated professionally on food and hospitality projects
Andi Oliver has spoken publicly about the importance of family, stability, and community—values that align closely with Hackett’s business approach.
Wadadli Kitchen: A Major Venture
What Is Wadadli Kitchen?
Wadadli Kitchen is a Caribbean-inspired food business co-founded by Andi Oliver and Garfield Hackett. The name “Wadadli” refers to Antigua’s indigenous name, reflecting Oliver’s heritage.
The business began as:
- A pop-up food venture
- A celebration of Caribbean cuisine and culture
- A platform for storytelling through food
It later evolved into a permanent restaurant concept.
Garfield Hackett’s Role
Hackett has been publicly described as:
- Business partner
- Director
- Operational lead
While Oliver is the public face, Hackett handled much of the backend structure, including:
- Business administration
- Financial planning
- Strategic development
- Logistics and operations
Media Attention
Wadadli Kitchen received widespread attention for:
- Its cultural impact
- Its an authentic Caribbean menu
- Its presence at major UK events
However, the business also faced challenges, including public scrutiny over staff payment issues during the pandemic recovery period. Hackett addressed these issues in the trade press, citing cash-flow constraints and operational difficulties—common challenges for independent hospitality businesses at the time.
London Pleasure Gardens
Another significant project associated with Garfield Hackett is the London Pleasure Gardens, a large-scale cultural and entertainment space launched in East London.
Project Overview
London Pleasure Gardens was:
- A temporary cultural venue
- Located near the Olympic Park
- Designed to host music, food, and arts events
- Aimed at revitalizing underused urban space
Hackett was described in media coverage as:
- One of the project’s key creative drivers
- A figure involved in conceptual development
- An advocate for community-based regeneration
Though the project eventually closed, it was widely covered in UK media and viewed as an ambitious cultural experiment.
Business and Company Directorships
According to UK Companies House records, Garfield Hackett has held directorships in multiple companies over the years.
Notable Companies:
- Black Allianz Ltd – Director and Secretary (now dissolved)
- Clapton Community Housing Trust Ltd – Director (former)
- London Pleasure Gardens Ltd – Director (dissolved)
These roles reflect a consistent pattern of involvement in:
- Community development
- Creative enterprises
- Cultural and hospitality projects
Public Appearances and Media Presence
Although not a celebrity himself, Hackett has appeared in public through:
- Event photography alongside Andi Oliver
- Food industry interviews
- Business commentary
- Cultural panels and launches
He is known for:
- Avoiding social media visibility
- Rarely giving personal interviews
- Letting projects speak for themselves
This has contributed to a sense of mystery around him, which has increased public curiosity.
Personal Life
Garfield Hackett is widely known to:
- Live in East London
- Maintain a private lifestyle
- Avoid publicity outside professional obligations
- Support family-focused values
His relationship with Andi Oliver is often described as stable and long-term, and he is considered a key support figure in her career.
Is There More Than One Garfield Hackett?
Yes. It is important to note that there are multiple individuals named Garfield Hackett, particularly in the United States.
However:
- The UK-based Garfield Hackett is the one associated with Andi Oliver, Wadadli Kitchen, and London cultural projects.
- US individuals with the same name appear unrelated and work in entirely different sectors.
This article focuses solely on the UK public figure.
Why Garfield Hackett Is Not Widely Known
Despite his involvement in high-profile projects, Hackett remains relatively unknown because:
- He does not seek media attention
- He works primarily behind the scenes
- He avoids social media exposure
- His partners and collaborators are more publicly visible
This has made him a figure of interest for those researching the people behind modern British food and culture movements.
Legacy and Influence
Garfield Hackett’s impact can be seen in:
- The growth of Caribbean cuisine in the UK mainstream dining
- Community-focused cultural spaces
- Support of creative entrepreneurship
- Collaborative business models in hospitality
Though not a celebrity, he has contributed to multiple successful projects and supported influential public figures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Garfield Hackett?
Garfield Hackett is a UK-based entrepreneur and cultural figure best known as the partner of chef Andi Oliver and a co-founder of Wadadli Kitchen.
What does Garfield Hackett do?
He works in hospitality, cultural development, and business management, primarily behind the scenes.
Is Garfield Hackett married to Andi Oliver?
They are long-term partners, though they have not publicly confirmed marriage.
What is Wadadli Kitchen?
A Caribbean food business co-founded by Hackett and Oliver, celebrating Antiguan and Caribbean cuisine.
Is Garfield Hackett a public figure?
He is a low-profile public figure known mainly through business ventures and media coverage related to Andi Oliver.
Final Thoughts
Garfield Hackett represents a type of modern entrepreneur who operates quietly but effectively—building projects, supporting talent, and shaping cultural spaces without seeking fame.
From London Pleasure Gardens to Wadadli Kitchen, his influence is woven into some of the UK’s most interesting cultural and culinary initiatives of the past two decades. While he remains largely out of the spotlight, his impact is both real and lasting.
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