Double Dutch expands bartending scheme

Tonic and mixer producer Double Dutch has opened applications for the 2024 edition of its Female Bartending Scholarship.

The scholarship, now in its fourth year, is open to women aged 18 and over, and at any stage in their career. For 2024, the number of selected bartenders has gone up from 10 to 12.

The programme was set up in 2020 to help women make inroads in the industry and counter the growing gender pay gap in the sector.

Double Dutch cited the minor rise in the 2023 Gender Pay Gap Report by community group Women in Hospitality, Travel & Leisure, and PwC UK – from 4.2% to 5.2% – as an example of the need to create change and tackle women’s underrepresentation in hospitality.

Raissa de Haas, co-founder of Double Dutch said: “The hospitality industry poses unique challenges for women, especially with the noticeable gender gap in leadership roles.

“Our Female Bartending Scholarship Programme aims to provide more than just enhancing people’s skills but is a platform designed to really propel women further into their hospitality careers.

“For 2024, we’ve increased the number of places on the programme to enable even more women in hospitality to unlock progression.

“Since launching the programme in 2021, we’ve helped talented women to reach new heights in their careers and we look forward to helping even more fantastic women bartending talent to grow in their professional journey.”

Both those who are already working in the industry and those who are new are invited to apply for the programme, which offers professional one-on-one training and personalised mentoring.

The eight-week mentoring scheme will cover a wide range of topics, including drinks education, personal growth and in-person experiences such as distillery visits and learning how to craft gin.

Success stories

Past editions of scholarship have proven a big success; Cléa Iqbal secured a position at Dubai bar Salmon Guru after finishing last year’s programme, while Amy Warne – another past scholar – is now head bar coach at The Botanist in Lincoln.

Iqbal said: “Being a part of Double Dutch’s Female Bartending Scholarship was career-changing. Being in a room of people on a similar journey to myself, looking to find their feet in this industry gave me a community.

“Hearing from industry experts that all started where we are gave me the push to pursue my dreams. I am now travelling the world and doing what I love, working in amazing bars and spreading the Double Dutch name.”

Warne also commented on completing the scholarship, noting that it gave her “a newfound confidence in my abilities as a bartender”.

She added: “Since the scholarship, I’ve grown in both my service and my knowledge within my job role.”

Applications for this year’s scholarship are open until 16 February and 12 scholars will be selected. The chosen bartenders will be announced on International Women’s Day (8 March).

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

Double Dutch was created in 2015 by twin sisters Joyce and Raissa de Haas.