2026 is set to be a busy year for Double Dutch following a recent £4.5 million investment, the brand's recent 10th anniversary and a brand new bottle design.
Launched in 2021 by Double Dutch co-founders Joyce and Raissa de Haas, the Female Bartending Scholarship was created to empower women working behind the bar and across the wider hospitality industry through education, mentorship and career progression.
For 2026, the programme builds on its continued UK success with expanded training, new partnerships and - for the first time - selected free educational content available to every applicant, not just the final scholarship cohort.
A final selection of 12 successful scholars will unlock the full, expanded programme of workshops, mentorship and industry access.
The application is simple - future scholars will need to detail in around 250 words or so as to where they are at in their career and what they'd like the scholarship to deliver for them. The scholarship continues to receive overwhelming interest from across the UK hospitality industry, from emerging bartenders to experienced professionals seeking to progress into leadership roles, and everyone is encouraged to apply regardless of number of years within the industry - from experienced mixologists, to those just starting out, all are welcome.
Raissa de Haas, Co-Founder of Double Dutch told That's Food and Drink: “We're looking for women who are deeply passionate about drinks and hospitality, and who see bartending as more than just a job. Our ideal scholars are ambitious, curious, and driven - women who have a clear vision for their future and the confidence to pursue it.
Whether their ambition lies in bar ownership, brand leadership, education, product development, or shaping the wider hospitality culture, we want to support women who aspire to lead. This scholarship is about backing the next generation of female leaders in drinks and hospitality, and helping them turn talent and determination into long-term impact.”
This year, Double Dutch have confirmed trade partnerships and live sessions hosted at leading hospitality venues, including The Chancery Rosewood, Swingers West End, 58 & Co Distillery and the largest ever network of female industry leaders to teach and mentor cohorts.
Joyce de Haas, Co-Founder Double Dutch added: “It's vital to use our platform to open doors. Hospitality is powered by incredible women, but far too few reach senior leadership. We believe progress doesn't happen by accident - you have to actively create pathways for those around you.
"The latest research we've seen says that Women make up 70% of the hospitality workforce, yet only 8% of the leadership positions. It's time to change that. This is all about building community too, and one of the best parts about the scholarship is when the alumni all come together to support each other.”
The final selected scholars will also take part in in-person and virtual workshops including Drinks Education, Personal Brand & Confidence and Professional Development and to join the growing Double Dutch Alumni Network, which includes freelance mixologists and team leaders from venues and brands such as Cubitt House, Don Papa, Mother Mercy and The Botanist.
The 2026 programme will be supported by a standout group of mentors and educators from across the UK drinks and hospitality industry, including:
Laura Willoughby MBE (Co-Founder, Club Soda);
Liana Oster (Director of Bars, The Chancery Rosewood);
Maura Milia (General Manager, Eagle Bar);
Anna Sebastian (Founder, Anna Sebastian Hospitality & Celebrate Her);
Carmen O'Neal (Founder, 58 & Co Distillery);
Lorna MacPherson-Johnston (Food & Beverage Director, Cubitt House);
Alexa Farrow (Brand Advocacy Manager, Hayman Distillers);
Claudia Carrozzi (Bar Consultant & Educator, UKBG President);
Lauren Mote (Global Director, Patrón & Bacardi);
Noah Villeneuve (National Portfolio Ambassador, Kore Drinks);
Mandy Naglich (Author, How to Taste);
Wendy Hopkins (Director of Beverage UK & International, Hakkasan Group);
Desirée Dils (Founder, Hospitality Masters);
Tristan Darby (Brand Ambassador, Double Dutch)
Applications for the Double Dutch Female Bartending Scholarship 2026 are now open and welcome women from all experience levels - from those just starting out to established professionals looking to level up or move into leadership roles within the UK hospitality industry.
The application deadline is 17 February 2026, with scholarship winners announced on International Women's Day, 8 March 2026.
To apply, visit:- https://doubledutchdrinks.com/pages/scholarship-application
