Audrey Saunders opened The Pegu Club in New York City's Soho district in the spring of 2005. Originally a British officers club in Rangoon (circa 1920), her intention in resurrecting The Pegu Club was to preserve a part of old-world cocktail culture. She is hopeful that Pegu will expand its reputation not only for its beverage program, but equally important, all facets of service and an uncomplicated, relaxed, civilized atmosphere. Though precise proportions and methods are less of a concern behind many bars, Saunders is a perfectionist and has been known to mix possible new recipes 80-100 times during the creation process.

Saunders' started bartending in the Brooklyn Heights Waterfront Ale House in 1996. The manager knew of her interest in cocktail creation, and suggested that she take a seminar at New York University that was being offered by Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff. After finishing the seminar, Saunders was so enthralled that she approached DeGroff, offering to work for free in exchange for training. By 1997, she became involved with DeGroff for special events for the Rainbow Room, such as an event making drinks for the Mayor at Gracie Mansion.

In 1999, Rainbow Room's parent company she opened Blackbird Restaurant on East 49th Street where she and DeGroff worked side by side.   Saunders painstakingly proved herself to regulars by mixing DeGroff's specialties to perfection. After Blackbird closed, she furthered her skills by taking on positions as Bar Manager at Chef Waldy Malouf's Beacon Restaurant and then as Beverage Director of The Tonic Restaurant with Chef Joe Fortunato.

Audrey joined the Carlyle Hotel in December, 2001 in the role of beverage director, for the much-acclaimed reopening of New York's legendary Bemelmans Bar. She spent three years creating, developing and fine-tuning a beverage program that earned The Carlyle a world-wide reputation for cocktails; Forbes Magazine voting it one of the top 20 bars in the world. She has spent time in London as a guest mixologist at The Ritz Hotel, has appeared on American and BBC television and radio, conducted cocktail seminars, lectured at trade shows and has judged cocktail competitions. She has been written about internationally, appearing in such publications as The New York Times, The London Times, The Financial Times, Business Week, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, New York Magazine, Town & Country, Gentleman's Quarterly, Wine Enthusiast, Wine & Spirits, The Observer, The Guardian, The Caterer, Hong Kong Tatler, Bon Apetit, Tatler UK, Esquire, Saveur, Glamour, Spectator and In Style Magazine. Her menus change seasonally and feature truly unique cocktails, which include a number of her own creations as well as old world classics.

Audrey is very appreciative of all the fortunate opportunities she's had and strongly believes in giving back as much as possible. She is the beverage chair for NYC chapter of City-Meals-On-Wheels, as well as Share Our Strength/Taste of the Nation charities. Recent awards and recognitions include Time Out New York Best Bar in 2006, Esquire Magazine's Best NY Bar in 2006, Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year in 2007 from Bon Appetit Magazine, Best Bartender and World's Best Cocktail Bar from Tales of the Cocktail 2007, Top 10 Bartenders in 2007 by Playboy Magazine, and Best Bar 2008 from Cheers Benchmark Awards. She is also a member of the advisory panel of The Museum of the American Cocktail.