Phoebe Cleary Rudd, 29, who lives on Richmond Hill, launched The Sauce in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic as a way to support restaurants, pubs and hotels during what she calls “a massively struggling” time for the industry.
She told Your Local Guardian: “What began as a small idea to celebrate hospitality has quietly grown to over 85,000 newsletter subscribers, 600,000 monthly readers, and a client list of not just hospitality but tourism boards and global brands, too.”
Phoebe’s latest venture, Club Sauce, is a tech platform designed to make influencer marketing easier for hospitality businesses.
Based on two years of feedback from clients, it has already received a valuation of £2.7 million.
(Image: Phoebe Cleary Rudd)
To be recognised by Forbes, she said, was “just incredible.”
Phoebe added: “They get 100,000 applications a year. To be named in the 30 Under 30 – it’s really rare.
“It’s been a dream of mine for years. For an entrepreneur, it’s probably the equivalent of winning a Michelin star.”
Phoebe’s route to Richmond and recognition wasn’t a straight line.
She started her career as a war reporter before studying at the London School of Economics and moving into finance – but eventually left to “do a total career 180”.
When her previous employer pivoted away from writing about hospitality during Covid, she said: “Morally it left me and the team in a tricky position.
“We were then turning around to all of these clients who hadn’t survived, and those that had just been through the worst three years, and we’re saying, ‘Well, actually we’re not writing about you anymore.
“The Sauce started to give them that voice back.”
The publication quickly became known for its wit and warmth – a refreshing shift from traditional reviews.
She added: “We write with a lot of humour. We’re very dry, quite witty. It was about telling stories – about these venues, about the chefs behind them, about the teams behind them and just shining a really positive spotlight on them.”
Though it has expanded to work with travel and fashion brands, Phoebe says her heart is still in hospitality.
She’s also proud to represent the area she calls home.
She said: “I love Richmond because it’s just the best of both. You’re so close to the town, but it doesn’t feel like town at all… Richmond is my sanctuary. It’s peaceful.’”
Asked about her favourite local spots, Phoebe is quick to name her top three. She said: “I’d say first would be Gaucho on the Riverside because the setting is gorgeous. Then Al Boccon Di’Vino.”
Phoebe also gave a shout-out to her English bulldog, Penelope. She said: “She loves it here. Because she loves it, I can never leave.’”
Looking ahead, Phoebe’s focus is on growth – but also gratitude.
Phoebe added: “Honestly, I could not have been happier. The whole thing has been life-changing overnight.”
