Double Dutch launches scholarship for aspiring female bartenders

08-Mar-2021 - Last updated on 08-Mar-2021 at 14:45 GMT

Talent and creativity: 'Unfortunately, women are still very under-represented in the drinks and bar trade, and there are very few female role models and mentors,' Raissa de Haas said

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Premium tonic and mixer brand Double Dutch is celebrating International Women’s Day 2021 by unveiling its Female Bartender Scholarship Programme.

Open to women aged 18 and over who are already working within the industry or looking to break into bartending, the Double Dutch Female Bartender Scholarship programme has been set up to empower aspiring female bartenders and mixologists in the UK.

The initiative, which was due to launch in spring 2020 but had to be postponed due to Covid-19, hopes to tackle the under-representation of women in the drinks and bar sectors.

It will feature everything from professional training and bespoke mentoring to financial assistance and will pair participants with globally acclaimed bartending schools and training providers to find suitable courses for the first cohort of successful candidates.

Topics will range from molecular pairing, creating classic cocktails and competing in competitions to networking, branding, social media and wellness.

‘Women are still very under-represented’

Double Dutch will also join forces with experts from the drinks and hospitality community who will act as mentors to the 2021 intake – offering expert, one-to-one training and sharing industry knowledge, insights and advice.

Confirmed mentors include Georgi Radev, the founder of tropical-inspired north London cocktail bar Laki Kane; head mixologist at London’s Quaglinos restaurant, Michele Lombardi; and 2019’s World Class GB Bartender of the Year Cameron Attfield.

Joyce and Raissa de Haas, the twin female co-founders of Double Dutch, will also be lending their time and expertise through hands-on mentoring sessions.

“We have seen so much talent and creativity from women when it comes to mixology,” Raissa de Haas said.

“Unfortunately, women are still very under-represented in the drinks and bar trade, and there are very few female role models and mentors.

“We are committed to supporting other women in the industry, and we hope that through the establishment of this scholarship and mentoring programme we can help support and inspire the next generation of female talent.

Applications will close on 7 May. Shortly after this, the successful candidates will be announced before the training and mentoring sessions commence in July.