Off the record

Brisbane hospo gurus chat all things business, passion, and their newest venture, Ruby, My Dear.

By ERIN SIMPSON

Music has always been an integral part of Brisbane hospitality duo Bonnie Shearston and Tom Sanceau’s lives. In fact, their love for music and appreciation for Japanese culture formed the inspiration behind their newest venture, Ruby, My Dear.

As the pair behind Happy Fat Group, they’ve been restaurateurs for over a decade and are the brains behind the likes of many iconic restaurants and bars like Red Hook and COPPA, which is temporaily closed. You could say they’re no strangers to making a mark on the Brisbane foodie scene.

Paying homage to Tokyo jazz cafes that served as illegal listening bars after the war, Ruby, My Dear is Brisbane’s first vinyl bar, adding to the growing list of slick new bars decorating our city.

Inside, you’ll find DJs spinning jazz records on the decks every night, along with an extensive menu of casual-style Izakaya food. “Ruby, My Dear is a culmination of travels, love of music, and appreciation of Japanese culture, design, and food,” Tom says.

When asked about the homage to vinyl records, Tom remarks, “Vinyl demands respect and although it isn’t a perfect format, it does offer a certain romance that’s difficult to beat.”

After an eight-year long relationship, the pair now work together as business partners and friends. “We know how to work extremely well together, and it’s hard to find someone you click with so well,” Bonnie says. “But don’t get me wrong, we know how to push each other’s buttons.”

They both fell into the hospitality industry by chance and have since found themselves loving being able to see their ideas come to life for others to enjoy.

So, what’s the best advice the pair have for budding entrepreneurs? According to Tom, it’s “always read the fine print”, while Bonnie reckons you’ve got to be very malleable, open, and willing to give anything a shot. “F**k it! Give the people what they want,” she says.

And when it comes to enjoying Brisbane’s other incredible venues, you’ll find Tom at Ecco Bistro, whilst Bonnie will be hanging around at Essa for a fancy dinner, or Before and After for “delicious, simple, and beautifully done” food and drinks.

Bonnie: The Hard Boiled Wonderland – named after a Murakami book, it’s a whiskey, plum, cherry, and coconut drink.

Tom: Sometime Lovin’ – a delicious blend of chamomile and strawberry, mint, and soda. A perfect alcohol-free concoction referencing a song written by Bonnie’s Dad, Gary Shearston.