In celebration of International Women’s Day, premium mixer brand Double Dutch announces the 14 successful scholars selected for its 2026 Female Bartending Scholarship, celebrating the next generation of women shaping the future of drinks and hospitality.
Now in its sixth year, the scholarship continues to champion education, mentorship and leadership opportunities for women across the UK on-trade, with applications to the scholarship rising by 35% year on year in 2026. The surge reflects growing global demand for initiatives that support women to progress into leadership roles within hospitality, a sector where women make up the majority of the workforce but remain underrepresented at senior levels.
This year, the programme also introduced a new element, with all applicants, regardless of selection into the final cohort, invited to attend three free virtual sessions with leading hospitality mentors and partners, widening access and strengthening the global community around the scholarship.
Launched in 2021 by twin founders Joyce de Haas and Raissa de Haas, the Female Bartending Scholarship was created to actively address the leadership gap: empowering women working behind the bar and across the drinks industry through structured training, mentorship and career development.
This year’s cohort reflects the diversity, ambition and creativity of women across the UK hospitality landscape, representing leading bars, restaurants and venues from Edinburgh to Manchester, London to Bristol.
The 2026 Female Bartending Scholarship winners are:
- Becca Knox – Hey Palu, Bartender
- Carmella Ramos – National Theatre, The Understudy, Duty Manager
- Molly Wear – Mother Mercy, General Manager
- Cassidy Fourie – The Royal Cocktail Exchange, Assistant General Manager
- Samiksha Pingle – The Orange, Cubitt House, Bartender
- Alexa Jacob – Panda & Sons, Bartender
- Anna Gaglione – The Ned, Bar Manager
- Jasmine Smith – Dishoom, Cocktail Queen
- Iona Rogan – Northcote Hotel, Bar, Lounge & Terrace Supervisor
- Susi Olliff – White Horse Inn (Butcombe Brewery), Assistant Manager
- Helen Malhotra – Brat / Kiln, Super 8 Restaurant Group, Bar Supervisor
- Hannah Auld – Market Place Leicester Square, Bartender
- Adele Meunier – Granary Club, Head Bartender
- Chloe Southam – The Royal Cocktail Exchange, Head Bartender
The scholars will take part in an expanded programme of virtual and in-person workshops covering drinks education, confidence, personal brand and professional development and industry access. Live sessions will be hosted at Swingers West End, 58 & Co Distillery and The Chancery Rosewood. Graduates will also become part of the Double Dutch alumni network, invited to networking events for life.
Joyce de Haas, Co-Founder of Double Dutch, said:
“International Women’s Day is about recognising progress but also being honest about how much work is still to be done. Hospitality is powered by incredible women, yet too few reach senior leadership. This scholarship is our way of actively creating pathways and opening doors. The response this year has been extraordinary. Taking the programme global and seeing a 35% increase in applications shows just how universal the appetite is for education, mentorship and support. We’ve heard from women at every stage of their careers who want to grow, lead and shape the future of drinks.”
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Raissa de Haas, Co-Founder of Double Dutch, added:
“As a business, we believe it’s essential to use our platform to champion women and drive real change. We want to help women build confidence, develop skills and step into leadership roles across hospitality. International Women’s Day is a powerful moment to celebrate the next generation of female leaders, but for us this work happens all year round. Our goal is to build a strong, supportive community where women can learn, mentor each other and thrive.”
