Double Dutch scheme supports women

Mixer producer Double Dutch has launched the third edition of its Female Bartending Scholarship Programme to help women progress in the drinks industry.

The scheme was created in 2020 to help reduce disparities of women in senior positions and curb inequalities within the hospitality industry.

Raissa de Haas, co-founder and co-CEO of Double Dutch, said: “The hospitality industry is particularly difficult for women as they are so underrepresented in senior and management positions.

“A big part of the Female Bartending Scholarship Programme is helping women to progress further in their career and supporting them building their personal brand in hospitality.”

Eight places are available for women, trans women and non-binary people at any stage of their career.

The scholarship aims to help women unlock new career opportunities, further their progression in the industry, and expand their network, while accelerating drinks knowledge and building confidence.

This year’s scholarship will feature coaching advice from Anna Sebastian, founder of Celebrate Her, an initiative to showcase female bartenders and offer networking opportunities; Laura Willoughby, founder of global mindful drinking initiative Club Soda; Carmen O’Neal, founder of London’s 58 and Co Distillery; Kelly Harrison, head of bars for New World Trading Company; and Claudia Carrozzi, president of the UK Bartenders’ Guild.

The programme involves three months of sessions covering topics including mixology, cocktail families, signature serves, building menus, flavour pairings, mindful drinking, social media, marketing and professional coaching.

Based on feedback from the 2022 scheme, the sessions will have a greater mixture of in-person sessions.

Amy Warne, a scholar from last year’s programme, secured a promotion to head bar coach at The Botanist upon completion of the course.

‘Shocking statistics’

Double Dutch cited research from Castell Project’s Women in Hospitality Industry Leadership 2022 report that revealed women accounted for just 30% of all hospitality leaders, with most of these found in HR roles.

De Haas added: “After seeing the shocking statistics that only 5% of females get appointed to the top job of CEO in hospitality, we created a programme that covers all vital elements for a career and progression.

“This includes personal branding, building your own social media platform, photography, creating signature serves and flavour pairings, alongside looking at ways to capitalise on your skills, with the sessions delivered by key hospitality experts.

“The programme has already empowered 18 women to level up in their career, and we are super excited to welcome eight more scholars onto the programme.”

Applications for the 12-week programme will open on International Women’s Day (8 March) and close on 3 May.

The first scholarship session is due to start on Monday 19 June at the Club Soda Tasting Room in London, followed by a second session at 58 and Co Distillery in Haggerston on 10 July.

To apply, visit: www.doubledutchdrinks.com/pages/scholarship-application.

To mark International Women’s Day, Double Dutch will donate 30% of sales from its Exploration Pack to a charity raising funds for young women.