I often talk about Fontaine’s – London’s finest Art Deco bar – being my second home. It holds an extra special place in my heart, not only because it was my wedding reception venue, but also because I remember the day owner Ruby Martin (who was working as a burlesque performer at the time) told me about her dream to open a bar. Knowing Ruby, it was always a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’ – and true to her nature, it only took a couple of years for her to turn that dream into a reality. I still remember the first time I walked into Fontaine’s and being blown away by everything from the feature dark wood bar to the keyhole doorway to the back seating section!

Since the bar opened almost 6 years ago, I’ve had the absolute pleasure to work with Ruby on many of Fontaine’s branding campaigns, from cocktails and event promotions to afternoon teas! To coincide with the launch of their brand new Autumn campaign with Blossom&Buttercups, I caught up with Ruby to find out more about the inspiration behind this brand shoot…

Ruby Martin

How would your best friend describe you? Loyal as hell and a boss ass bitch! A bit of sass thrown in for good measure!

Name three things that you always carry with you? Red lipstick, lot’s of note books with fancy pens (I love to write down notes), and my iPad… always working! 

What was the last book you read? John Waters – Mr Know it All  

What inspired you to book a brand shoot? I try to do at least 2 campaigns a year to show my customers what’s new at Fontaine’s. Brand image is so important and although creating images on your phone is great to keep your customer’s up to date with what’s happening with your brand, a well shot campaign with beautiful images will engage you your customers and get them excited. A beautiful image can be used over and over again. Always money well spent! 

Who would play you in a movie of your life? Christina Hendricks á la Madmen 

What’s the most interesting thing about you that the internet doesn’t know about you yet? A lot, I’m a very private person, but maybe my crazy love of the colour pink! I’m always dressed in black, sadly too old to wear it! 

Tell us about your concept for the shoot – what was your inspiration? For this shoot I looked to Film Noir and speakeasy bars in New York during the 40’s.

Describe your shoot experience? I’ve worked with Tigz for years and in every shoot she has been able to capture exactly my vision whether it was the interior of my bar, cocktails, or even myself.

What song gets you on the dancefloor? I Love 70’s disco, I do all our playlists so they will always get me dancing, and my guests!

What are you most proud of in your career so far? I’ve been an actor and a burlesque performer but owning my own bar and having my vision come to life is my proudest achievement. When my guests notice all the little details, how lovely my bar smells and my playlist, it fills me with immense joy! 

What is your top business tip? Look after your staff – they represent your brand. Trust them and pay them well. 

What will your autobiography be called? Shit Happens! 

If you could have any celebrity visit Fontaine’s, who would it be and why? John Waters – He’s my idol and I have a cabaret show dedicated to his dirty mind! I’m Australian and grew up listening to Kylie, having Kylie as a guest would be amazing! John, Kylie, myself and and all my wonderful friends in cabaret and drag… now that would be one hell of a party!

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about booking a brand shoot for their own business? Make sure you have a clear and consistent idea. A mood board is also a great idea. The more research you do and the more organised you are, it will allow you to be more creative on the shoot. 

What exciting project are you working on right now? Fontaine’s Bar is set to launch our bottled signature cocktails [Tigz’s Note; I got to sample this service last week and can confirm the it is AMAZING], along with candles and hampers for Christmas! 

Want to level up your branding like Fontaine’s? Book your own brand photography shoot with me today – check out my brand photography packages and then send me a message via the contact page with all your amazing ideas, along with any preferred shoot dates!