The Garden Catering is an independently run business, and our people are central to the quality and reliability we provide. Several members of our team have been with us for many years, bringing experience, consistency and a genuine understanding of how we work.
Graham Hamdi, Founder
Graham Hamdi founded The Garden in 2000 and set up The Garden Corporate Catering in 2002, bringing a background in business management, finance and property management together with a lifelong interest in food and entrepreneurship.
Having grown up in a family with a strong appreciation for food, Graham started The Garden with a focus on premium-quality, health-conscious food, presentation and personal service. What began as a food outlet in Richmond upon Thames developed into a dedicated catering business serving companies and organisations across London and Surrey.
Graham remains actively involved in the business today, with a hands-on approach to quality, service and the continued development of The Garden Catering.
Alison Hamdi, Co-Founder
After graduating with a degree in European Business Studies with French, Alison built a career in advertising and marketing. In 2000, she took a new direction into food and hospitality, co-founding The Garden with her husband Graham, setting up a food outlet in Richmond. What started as a small venture has grown and evolved over the years into a thriving corporate and event catering business, working with some fantastic clients and prestigious venues.
Over 25 years later, she is still passionate about great food, creating memorable events and, most importantly, working alongside our brilliant team who make it all happen.
Jola, Head Chef
Jola has been part of The Garden Catering for over 20 years and is responsible for the preparation and production of our hot food. She brings extensive culinary experience from working across several European countries and is known for her dedication, reliability and consistently high standards. Her food combines excellent flavour with a sophisticated approach to presentation.
Milena, Second in Command
Milena has been with The Garden Catering for five years and plays a key role in organising the kitchen and overseeing the preparation of our cold food and canapés. Exceptionally organised and reliable, she has a particular eye for detail and takes great pride in producing beautifully presented food for our clients.
Katia, Kitchen Team
Katia has been with The Garden Catering for over two years and is an important part of our day-to-day kitchen operation. Reliable, hardworking and consistently positive, she takes pride in producing fresh, beautifully presented food and helping the kitchen run smoothly each day.
Ian, Finance
Ian brings extensive experience from senior roles within large corporations in both the UK and US. As a close family member, Ian provides regular support to The Garden Catering and is in the office, making sure our financial affairs and business administration are carefully managed.
Abdul, Delivery Team
Abdul has been part of The Garden Catering for over a year and is a trusted member of our delivery team. Calm, reliable and consistently punctual, he takes great care to make sure food and equipment are delivered safely and on time. He is someone our kitchen and events teams can rely on, even when the pressure is on.
