If you live in London or love creative spaces, you may have already experienced the work of Garfield Hackett — even if you didn’t know his name. He’s one of those people who quietly changes the world around him without needing to be in the spotlight. From music and art to food and community events, Garfield Hackett has spent decades shaping London’s cultural heartbeat.
But what makes him so special? It’s not just his success — it’s his story, his roots, and his belief that creativity can bring people together. Let’s take a friendly walk through his journey so far.
Early Life and Background
Garfield Hackett was born in June 1967 and grew up in London, surrounded by the city’s rich mix of cultures. His Caribbean heritage gave him a deep love for rhythm, color, and storytelling. London gave him energy, opportunity, and a sense of connection to people from all walks of life.
Imagine being raised in a city buzzing with music, food, and art — it’s no surprise that Garfield became curious about how people express themselves. As a young boy, he loved music and stories. He understood that both had the power to bring people together. That idea would later become the foundation of everything he built.
Even though Garfield keeps most of his early life private, it’s easy to see how much those early experiences shaped him. He grew up surrounded by sound and creativity, learning that art could be more than entertainment — it could be a bridge between people and cultures.
A Start in Music
Before he became a well-known entrepreneur, Garfield Hackett found his place in the music world. He was part of a band called The Feds, and he spent years working behind the scenes in the London music scene — performing, managing, and promoting.
Music was Garfield’s first creative playground. He didn’t just see it as a way to perform — he saw it as a way to connect. He promoted underground events that gave young and diverse voices a chance to shine. In a city full of talent, he focused on those who didn’t always have a platform.
Through this, Garfield learned something powerful: music can build community. It can give people a voice. It can make strangers feel like family — even if just for a few minutes at a concert. Those lessons stayed with him as he moved into new creative worlds later in life.
Have you ever been to a live show that made you feel like everyone in the room was connected? That’s the feeling Garfield Hackett wanted to create — not only through music but through everything he did next.
From Music to Events and Hospitality
As Garfield grew older, his creative ideas grew, too. He wanted to do more than play music — he wanted to create experiences. That dream led him into event planning and hospitality, where he could blend all his passions together.
One of his biggest projects was the London Pleasure Gardens, a massive pop-up event space that brought together art, music, food, and performance. It was more than just a venue — it was an experience. People could walk in and feel like they had entered a different world.
Garfield’s goal was simple: to create a place where everyone could feel included, inspired, and connected. He wanted to break down barriers and show that culture isn’t something you just watch — it’s something you live and share.
Even though the London Pleasure Gardens didn’t last forever, its impact did. It showed London what was possible when creativity and community come together. Many people still remember the excitement it brought to the city’s art and event scene.
After that, Garfield kept going. He co-created Summerland Live, a tropical-themed event right in the heart of London. It mixed sunshine vibes, music, and community — a little slice of paradise in an urban space. Once again, his idea worked because it came from the heart.
Garfield Hackett has always believed that hospitality is not just about food or drink — it’s about how a place makes you feel. Whether you’re at a concert, a dinner, or an outdoor festival, his goal is to make you feel part of something special.
Wadadli Kitchen — A Taste of Culture and Connection
If you’ve ever tasted authentic Caribbean food in London, you might have come across Wadadli Kitchen, one of Garfield Hackett’s most loved ventures. He co-founded it with his long-time partner, chef and TV presenter Andi Oliver.
Wadadli Kitchen isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a celebration of Caribbean heritage and flavor. The dishes tell stories of home, memory, and identity. When you walk in, you’re not just getting a meal — you’re getting a cultural experience.
Garfield and Andi designed the space to feel warm, welcoming, and full of life. It’s a place where people come together to enjoy food, music, and conversation. You can almost feel the love that went into it — the kind of love that comes from people who care about culture, family, and community.
Their vision was simple: to honor their roots while bringing people together. Every dish, every event, and every guest is part of that story. It’s no wonder Wadadli Kitchen quickly became a favorite in London’s dining scene.
Have you ever eaten somewhere that felt more like visiting a friend’s home than a restaurant? That’s the feeling Garfield Hackett and Andi Oliver wanted to create. And they did.
Family, Love, and Creative Partnership
Behind Garfield’s success is a story of love, teamwork, and family. He has been with Andi Oliver for over two decades, and together they have built not only businesses but a beautiful life centered around creativity and compassion.
Garfield is also the stepfather of Miquita Oliver, a well-known TV and radio presenter. Those who know the family often describe him as the “glue” that keeps everyone grounded. He is calm, thoughtful, and supportive — qualities that show up both at home and in his work.
Their home in East London is full of creativity, warmth, and good energy — much like the spaces Garfield builds for others. It’s easy to see how their shared love for culture, food, and storytelling flows through everything they do.
He often says that family and community are the heart of creativity. That’s what keeps him inspired. And maybe that’s why his work always feels personal — because it truly is.
Garfield Hackett’s Creative Philosophy
So, what keeps Garfield Hackett inspired after all these years? It’s his belief that creativity can change lives. He doesn’t just build events or restaurants — he builds experiences that make people feel connected.
For Garfield, art, food, and music all tell stories. They remind people that we share more similarities than differences. He once said that he wants his spaces to make people feel “seen, heard, and valued.” That simple idea is at the heart of everything he does.
Think about it — when you listen to a song that touches your heart or eat a meal that reminds you of home, something inside you lights up. Garfield creates those moments on purpose. Whether it’s through a Caribbean meal, a music festival, or a pop-up art space, his work is all about bringing people together.
He also believes that creativity should be open to everyone. You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy art, and you don’t need to be rich to experience something beautiful. That’s why so many of his projects focus on community and inclusion.
Building a Lasting Legacy in London
Over the years, Garfield Hackett has quietly become one of London’s most respected creative voices. His work has touched so many parts of the city — from the buzzing streets of East London to the big stages of Glastonbury.
People remember his events because they feel real and full of life. The London Pleasure Gardens, for example, showed how art and music could turn an empty space into something magical. Wadadli Kitchen proved that food could be more than just a business — it could be a way to tell a story and celebrate culture.
Every project he touches seems to have one clear goal: to make people feel connected. It’s easy to see why his name comes up whenever people talk about creativity and culture in London. Even though Garfield doesn’t like the spotlight, his influence is everywhere.
If you’ve ever danced at a festival, eaten at a cozy restaurant that feels like home, or walked into a space that made you smile for no reason — chances are, you’ve experienced the kind of joy Garfield Hackett wants to share with the world.
Success Beyond Money
When people hear the word “entrepreneur,” they often think about money. But Garfield Hackett sees success differently. For him, success means making a difference. It’s about how people feel after they’ve experienced what he’s created.
His net worth is said to be in the mid-to-high six figures, but that’s not what defines him. What really matters to Garfield is the impact he leaves behind — the laughter, memories, and inspiration his projects give to others.
Money was never his goal. Creativity and connection were. That’s what makes his story so special. He shows that you can follow your passion, build a career around it, and still stay humble and true to your values.
Have you ever met someone who makes you feel calm and inspired at the same time? That’s what people say about Garfield Hackett. He’s known not only for his ideas but also for his kindness and warmth.
The Power of Partnership and Family
Garfield Hackett’s life wouldn’t be complete without his partner, Andi Oliver. Together, they’ve built more than restaurants or projects — they’ve built a legacy of love, culture, and creativity.
They both believe in the same simple truth: sharing food and stories brings people together. And they live by that truth every single day. Their partnership is proof that when two creative people work with love and respect, they can make something truly beautiful.
At home, Garfield is known for being patient and grounded — the kind of person who listens more than he talks. His stepdaughter, Miquita Oliver, often says that he’s the calm center of their family. That tells you everything you need to know about him — steady, kind, and quietly strong.
It’s easy to see how Garfield’s personal life and work overlap. He builds peace and connection in both. Whether he’s cooking dinner with his family or planning his next big event, the heart behind it is always the same.
Looking Ahead — The Future of Garfield Hackett
As of 2025, Garfield Hackett is still creating, dreaming, and building. He has no plans to slow down anytime soon. His projects continue to blend art, music, and culture in new and exciting ways.
People close to him say he’s working on ideas that will mix community spaces with modern technology — a new way for people to experience art and connection. And knowing Garfield, it will be something fresh, inclusive, and full of heart.
London is always changing, but Garfield has a gift for keeping up with the times while staying true to his roots. He’s like a bridge between the old and the new — bringing tradition into the future without losing its soul.
Imagine walking into a future event of his — live music playing, warm food smells in the air, art everywhere, and people smiling. That’s the kind of experience Garfield Hackett continues to build.
Why Garfield Hackett’s Story Matters
In a world full of noise and competition, Garfield Hackett reminds us of something simple — that creativity is about people. It’s about connection, not fame. It’s about stories, not trends.
He teaches us that you don’t have to shout to be heard. You can make an impact just by being kind, creative, and thoughtful. That’s why his name keeps coming up among artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers across London and beyond.
His work shows that art and business can live together — if they’re both driven by heart. And that’s the message we all need right now.
So, whether you’ve been to one of his events, eaten at Wadadli Kitchen, or just walked past one of his creative spaces, remember the man behind it all. Garfield Hackett is not just building restaurants or festivals — he’s building moments that make life a little brighter for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Garfield Hackett is a rare kind of creator — someone who mixes business with soul and turns ideas into experiences people never forget. From his early days in music to his big dreams in hospitality, he’s always had one clear mission: to bring people together through creativity.
His story reminds us that true success isn’t about fame or wealth — it’s about love, purpose, and impact. And as London continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Garfield Hackett’s influence will keep shining brightly, touching hearts, inspiring minds, and reminding us all that creativity is what keeps the world alive.
