CODE meets Meg Bews, Rudy’s Pizza

A popular pizzeria in cities across the north of England, Rudy’s is now heading south to launch its first London site. We caught up with general manager Meg Bews to hear about the move, what makes it stand out and whether pineapple belongs on pizza.

Rudy’s Pizza is hugely popular in the north of England, and you’ll soon be launching your first site in London. How do you feel about it? 

Very excited! It’s a fantastic new challenge and we can’t wait to meet all of our new neighbours. There are already some incredible Neapolitan pizzerias in the area and it’s going to be a great experience to showcase how Rudy’s differs, what we can bring to the scene and what we’re about. I’m really excited.

Why did you decide now was the right time to make the move? 

Its been in the pipeline for nearly a year but has been put back because of covid restrictions so we are definitely ready to get down now and its going to great to be able to open hopefully with no restrictions. On a personal level, I cant wait to explore London and meet new people – I’ve lived in Manchester for 13 years so it’s a big move but such an exciting one. I’m passionate about trying new food and drink, and excited to work my way through all the recommendations I’ve had! The list is long and it’s incredible to be in Soho where so many amazing and iconic restaurants are. To be among that will be very cool.

Is there any differences between planning a site in the capital and other cities across the UK? 

As a company we are based in Manchester so trying to coordinate an opening in London brings it difficulties but actually it’s been great to have a new challenge and will be a learning curve for us a company – excited to see what the future holds for us in London.  

For those that haven’t visited, tell us a bit more about the ethos of Rudy’s Pizza? 

We are a neighbourhood pizzeria with a focus on incredible authentic Neapolitan pizza. Our service style is really laid back and informal – our restaurants are very fast paced and it creates a massive buzz and atmosphere when we are busy. We value our team and like to create a family in all of our pizzerias which means we are able to grow together and it’s a good place to work and hang. Our Pizzaiolos are very passionate about pizza and we encourage them to create specials to showcase interesting local ingredients. It chimes with our community feel. We also do a fab Aperitivo selection alongside a great wine list which certainly is a plus too. 

And how is it different from other pizzerias in the capital? 

We have some incredible competition in the area so we just want to come in and show off what we can do – we have really strong values and the biggest one is being neighbourly, so we are really excited to get involved in the Soho hospitality scene, make some friends and hopefully do some collaborations with other local restaurants, bakeries and breweries. We just can’t wait to welcome everyone into the pizzeria and see it come alive. 

Some quick-fire questions to finish. What’s your favourite pizza toppings?

My favourite pizza is a white portobello – white base, loads of garlic oil and sea salt then fresh chilli to give it a kick!

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

I should say no as its not traditional but I’m actually I’m partial to a Hawaiian!

Where can you find the best pizza in the world? 

Why Naples of course!! Everyone should go even just for the day – so many incredible pizzerias and most of the time you have to queue and there’s lots of fab Aperitivo bars along the streets so its great to enjoy a spritz whilst people watching.  

And if you had to pick a favourite restaurant in the UK, what would it be? 

Oh that’s tough!! The food scene in Manchester is really eclectic and very street food focused so a day out having a wonder and trying new things is my favourite thing to do. And to be honest I love a Sunday roast and Jane Eyre in Ancoats in the same neighbourhood as Rudys does a great one.

Rudy’s Soho opens on the 28^th June, Wardor Street Soho. To find out more, visit the website here

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