The Double Dutch Female Bartending Scholarship has marked its sixth year with a graduation ceremony at The Chancery Rosewood, as applications to the programme rose by 35% in 2026, underlining growing demand for initiatives supporting women into leadership roles across the UK on-trade.
Fourteen scholars came together on 9 June to celebrate completing the programme, joining Double Dutch founders Joyce de Haas and Raissa de Haas, alongside team members Tristian Darby, Tilda Oram and Jessie Siron-Fernandez. The milestone event reflects continued momentum behind the initiative, which aims to address the persistent gender imbalance at senior levels in hospitality.
Despite women making up a significant proportion of the workforce, they remain underrepresented in leadership roles. Launched in 2021, the scholarship was designed to tackle this gap by offering structured training, mentorship and career development opportunities for women working behind the bar and across the drinks sector.
This year’s expanded programme combined virtual and in-person workshops, with sessions focused on drinks education, confidence building, personal branding and professional development. Participants also gained valuable industry exposure through live events hosted at Swingers West End and 58 & Co Distillery, culminating in the graduation ceremony at The Chancery Rosewood.
Research conducted by scholarship mentor Anna Sebastian of Anna Sebastian Hospitality reinforces the programme’s relevance. The findings suggest that while 57% of women enter hospitality driven by a pre-existing passion and 41% fall into the sector by chance, perceptions shift significantly over time. Of those who initially saw hospitality as a temporary role, 78% now view it as a long-term career.
However, the research also highlights ongoing structural challenges. Nearly 39% of women cited a lack of mentorship as a barrier to progression, while fewer than one-third felt adequately supported in their roles. Respondents identified leadership and management training, career development and enhanced wine and beverage knowledge as key areas for advancement.
Graduates of the 2026 cohort will now join the Double Dutch Alumni network, providing continued access to support, industry connections and development opportunities as they progress in their careers.
Raissa de Haas, Co-Founder of Double Dutch Drinks, said: “Celebrate Her’s research shows exactly why we started the scholarship. Lack of mentorship, insufficient training and support are holding women back being the leaders in hospitality and we’re here to change that. This industry is vibrant, creative, innovative, the lifeblood of our cities and social lives, and every person should feel seen and supported. Seeing the confidence, talent and growth across the group over the past few months has been incredible.
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“This programme has never just been about cocktail or technical skills – it’s about helping women build long-term careers, networks and belief in themselves within hospitality. A huge thank you to all of our incredible mentors who gave their time, knowledge and encouragement throughout the past three months. Having people willing to openly share their experience and support the next generation really does make a difference.”
