Jonathan is the owner of Fetish Freak, the independent south London store that stocks some of the very best range of fetish gear available, a huge range of adult sex toys and all of life’s little essentials such as aromas, condoms and lubes.
Jonathan can always be found at the store’s helm offering his unique and friendly advice, and over the years, Fetish Freak has built up a reputation on the Fetish scene as being honest, knowledgeable and trusted in its field.
So Jonathan, just how long have you worked in the industry?
Specifically in the Fetish Industry? Approximately 25 years now, though I have worked on the London gay scene continually for about 30 years or so… God, that makes me feel old!
Where did it all begin?
Oh, I started working on the gay scene way back in 1984 as a barman at Harpoon Louie’s. Then when that burned down I worked in the club below it The Copacabana (known as Copa’s) followed by The Two Brewers and then I ended up doing the record shop for Almighty Records in Bromptons Bar (also Manhattan’s in Fulham Road and the L.A. in Old Street).
At the end of the 80s I started at Expectations and worked happily there until 2006. Before that I was at Selfridges selling calculators and early home computers, which is ironic as I am crap with computers still! Finally, I did front of house and the bar at The Hoist until I opened Fetish Freak there in 2007.
And, why did you start Fetish Freak?
I started Fetish Freak because there wasn’t anywhere in South London to get quality leather and rubber gear at affordable prices. Many people thought I owned Expectations so said they would follow me and support a new shop if I opened one. And true to their word, so many of them did and I am eternally grateful to them for their loyalty… It really is what spurs me on to keep at it!
Tell us about the move to the new location?
The old shop at The Hoist closed in June 2013 and I opened at the new location in December. The new shop is just off Camberwell New Road and is discreetly tucked around a corner on Bolton Crescent, next to Mr Dandy the chippie!
Why that location?
I wanted to keep it within easy reach of Vauxhall and the area is SO gay!
What service do you aim to offer?
Fetish Freak has a reputation for giving excellent service and value for money. Even though we are a tiny independent company (I bought out my business partner Richard when we closed the Vauxhall store) people know I will give good, honest advice, and let’s face it, I’ve an unrivalled depth of knowledge when it comes to all things pervy!
What are your favourite products and brands, and why?
It’s difficult to choose my favourite products as we stock so much! But I love the new FIST branded jocks; a real statement purchase! Also the FIST douche with its sleek black design… Oh, and their ShowerShot too!
Which are your best selling aromas?
Best selling aromas are FF and FIST, followed by Hard On and Jungle Juice.
And lubes?
J-Lube, K-Lube, X-Lube and Liquid Silk…
Finally Jonathan, here are your Quick Ones…
Leather or rubber.
Leather.
Favourite club.
R18 @ Eagle London.
Y-fronts or boxers.
Boxers.
Favourite porn star.
Brent Corrigan.
Wine or beer.
Wine.
Favourite food.
Traditional English.
• Fetish Freak, 76 Bolton Crescent, Oval, London SE5 0SE – Tel: 020 7091 0031
• Opening Hours: Monday 11am-6.30pm, Tuesday CLOSED, Wednesday 11am-6.30pm, Thursday 11am-6.30pm, Friday 11am-6.30pm, Saturday 11am-6.30pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm
