Double Dutch Scholarship Helps Women Build Long-Term Careers in Hospitality

A new group of aspiring drinks industry leaders has graduated from the latest Female Bartending Scholarship, a programme designed to help women develop the skills, confidence and industry connections needed to progress their careers in hospitality.

Founded in 2021 by twin sisters Joyce de Haas and Raissa de Haas, co-founders of premium mixer brand Double Dutch Drinks, the scholarship was created to address the ongoing leadership gap within the hospitality and drinks sectors.

Over the course of three months, participants took part in an expanded programme of virtual and in-person workshops covering drinks education, personal branding, professional development, confidence building and networking opportunities. 

Live sessions were hosted at leading industry venues including Swingers West End and 58 & Co Distillery, with the graduation ceremony taking place at the prestigious The Chancery Rosewood in London.

The programme arrives at a time when new research suggests that hospitality is increasingly viewed as a long-term career by many women working within the industry.

Research conducted by hospitality consultant and scholarship mentor Anna Sebastian found that while some women enter hospitality through a passion for food, drink and customer service, many initially join by chance. However, perceptions often change over time, with 78% of those who once viewed hospitality as a temporary job now considering it a long-term career path.

The findings also highlight some of the challenges women continue to face. Nearly four in ten respondents said a lack of mentorship had limited their career progression, while fewer than one-third felt adequately supported in their roles. 

When asked what would help them advance professionally, leadership training, career development support and greater knowledge of wine and beverages ranked highly.

For a sector built on creativity, innovation and human connection, these findings underline the importance of investing in talent and creating clear pathways for progression.

Speaking about the programme, Raissa de Haas said the scholarship was created to tackle the barriers identified by the research, including limited access to mentorship, training and support. She emphasised that the initiative goes beyond technical bartending skills, focusing instead on helping women build confidence, develop professional networks and establish sustainable careers within hospitality.

As the drinks industry continues to evolve, initiatives such as the Female Bartending Scholarship are helping to ensure that talented professionals have the opportunity to thrive, while creating a more diverse and inclusive future for bars, restaurants and hospitality businesses across the UK and beyond.

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