Double Dutch names female bartending scholars
Mixer brand Double Dutch has selected 14 scholars for the 2026 edition of its Female Bartending Scholarship.
The programme is now in its sixth year, having expanded beyond the UK in its 2025 edition. Double Dutch co-founders Joyce and Raissa de Haas founded the scholarship in 2021 to actively address the leadership gap for women in hospitality and the drinks industry through structured training, mentorship and career development.
The scholars were announced as part of International Women’s Day, which was Sunday 8 March.
Applications for the Female Bartending Scholarship rose by 35% year on year in 2026.
Joyce de Haas said: “International Women’s Day is about recognising progress but also being honest about how much work is still to be done. Hospitality is powered by incredible women, yet too few reach senior leadership. This scholarship is our way of actively creating pathways and opening doors.
“The response this year has been extraordinary. Taking the programme global and seeing a 35% increase in applications shows just how universal the appetite is for education, mentorship and support. We’ve heard from women at every stage of their careers who want to grow, lead and shape the future of drinks.”
All applicants, regardless of whether they made the final selection, were able to attend three free virtual sessions with leading hospitality mentors and partners.
The 2026 Female Bartending Scholarship winners are:
- Hannah Auld, bartender, Market Place Leicester Square, London
- Cassidy Fourie, assistant general manager, The Royal Cocktail Exchange, London
- Anna Gaglione, bar manager, The Ned, London
- Alexa Jacob, bartender, Panda & Sons, Edinburgh
- Becca Knox, bartender, Hey Palu, Edinburgh
- Helen Malhotra, bar supervisor, Brat/Kiln, London
- Adele Meunier, head bartender, Granary Club, Bristol
- Susi Olliff, assistant manager, White Horse Inn, West Sussex
- Samiksha Pingle, bartender, The Orange Pub & Boutique Hotel (Cubitt House), London
- Carmella Ramos, duty manager, The Understudy, London
- Iona Rogan, bar, lounge and terrace supervisor, The Northcote, London
- Jasmine Smith, bartender, Dishoom, London
- Chloe Southam, head bartender, The Royal Cocktail Exchange, London
- Molly Wear, general manager, Mother Mercy, Newcastle upon Tyne
The selected scholars will now take part in an expanded programme of virtual and in-person workshops covering drinks education, confidence, personal brand and professional development and industry access.
Sessions will be hosted at Swingers West End, 58 & Co Distillery and The Chancery Rosewood.
Graduates will also become part of the Double Dutch alumni network and be invited to networking events for life.
Raissa de Haas added: “As a business, we believe it’s essential to use our platform to champion women and drive real change. We want to help women build confidence, develop skills and step into leadership roles across hospitality.
“International Women’s Day is a powerful moment to celebrate the next generation of female leaders, but for us, this work happens all year round. Our goal is to build a strong, supportive community where women can learn, mentor each other and thrive.”
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