Introducing 2026 Scholars

Double Dutch celebrates Female Bartending Scholarship Winners 2026

“I would say that hospitality can be fast-paced and unpredictable, and it’s easy to feel invisible, especially as a woman. But showing up with clarity, curiosity, and consistency will earn respect faster than any technical skill alone.  Hospitality isn’t just about following recipes or procedures - it’s about shaping experiences, building connections, and leaving a lasting impression.”
- Anna Gaglione, Bar Manager at The Ned, and part of the 2026 winning cohort of the Double Dutch Female Bartending Scholarship

Some of the 2026 Scholarship cohorts Chloe Southam, Hannah Auld, Helen Malhotra

In celebration of International Women’s Day, premium mixer brand Double Dutch announces the 14 successful scholars selected for its 2026 Female Bartending Scholarship, celebrating the next generation of women shaping the future of drinks and hospitality.

Now in its sixth year, the scholarship continues to champion education, mentorship and leadership opportunities for women across the UK on-trade, with applications to the scholarship rising by 35% year on year in 2026. The surge reflects growing global demand for initiatives that support women to progress into leadership roles within hospitality, a sector where women make up the majority of the workforce but remain underrepresented at senior levels.

Double Dutch Founders Raissa and Joyce de Haas

This year, the programme also introduced a new element, with all applicants, regardless of selection into the final cohort, invited to attend three free virtual sessions with leading hospitality mentors and partners, widening access and strengthening the global community around the scholarship.

Launched in 2021 by twin founders Joyce de Haas and Raissa de Haas, the Female Bartending Scholarship was created to actively address the leadership gap: empowering women working behind the bar and across the drinks industry through structured training, mentorship and career development.

This year’s cohort reflects the diversity, ambition and creativity of women across the UK hospitality landscape, representing leading bars, restaurants and venues from Edinburgh to Manchester, London to Bristol.

Some of the 2026 Scholarship cohorts Rebecca Knox, Anna Gaglione, Adele Meunier, Jasmine Smith 

The 2026 Female Bartending Scholarship winners are:

• Becca Knox – Hey Palu, Bartender

• Carmella Ramos – National Theatre, The Understudy, Duty Manager

• Molly Wear – Mother Mercy, General Manager

• Cassidy Fourie – The Royal Cocktail Exchange, Assistant General Manager

• Samiksha Pingle – The Orange, Cubitt House, Bartender

• Alexa Jacob – Panda & Sons, Bartender

• Anna Gaglione – The Ned, Bar Manager

• Jasmine Smith – Dishoom, Cocktail Queen

• Iona Rogan – Northcote Hotel, Bar, Lounge & Terrace Supervisor

• Susi Olliff – White Horse Inn (Butcombe Brewery), Assistant Manager

• Helen Malhotra – Brat / Kiln, Super 8 Restaurant Group, Bar Supervisor

• Hannah Auld – Market Place Leicester Square, Bartender

• Adele Meunier – Granary Club, Head Bartender

• Chloe Southam – The Royal Cocktail Exchange, Head Bartender

The scholars will take part in an expanded programme of virtual and in-person workshops covering drinks education, confidence, personal brand and professional development and industry access. Live 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, invited to networking events for life.

Some of the 2026 Scholarship cohorts Carmella Ramos, Susi Olliff, Cassidy Fourie

Joyce de Haas, Co-Founder of Double Dutch, 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.”

Raissa de Haas, Co-Founder of Double Dutch, 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.”

One of this year’s mentors is Carmen O’Neal, Founder, 58 & Co Distillery

Some of the 2026 Scholarship cohorts Alexa Jacob, Samiksha Pingle, Iona Rogan, Molly Wear

THIS YEARS MENTORS

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); 

Ceri Walden (Sales Director, East London Liquor Company); 

Kaitline Wilkes (Co-founder, The Ada Coleman Project / Director K Wilkes Consulting). 

Imme Ermgassen, Co-Founder, Botivo