Double Dutch Set To Launch Scholarship & Mentoring Programme

Double Dutch, award-winning UK premium tonic and mixer brand, is proud to announce the launch of a scholarship and mentoring programme to help support, train and empower aspiring female mixologists.

Just in time for International Women’s Day on the 8^th March, the initiative has been designed to help foster up-and-coming female talent in the form of training, mentoring and financial support for skilling-up. The innovative programme will aim to create a network of support to encourage the development of women looking to enter or already working in the drinks and bar industry.

As part of the programme, Double Dutch will partner with several well-known bartenders to provide invaluable hands-on training and share their industry knowledge with the selected female candidates. Joyce and Raissa de Haas, the twin female co-founders of Double Dutch, will also be lending their time and expertise through one-to-one mentoring sessions.

Raissa de Haas, co-founder of Double Dutch, says: “We’re very excited to be launching this programme as we have seen so much talent and creativity from women when it comes to mixology.  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 through the establishment of this scholarship and mentoring programme we can help support and inspire the next generation of female talent.”

The initiative will be announced at an all-female speaking panel and brunch on the 2^nd March in collaboration with Percy & Founders in Fitzrovia. With the theme “Breaking Barriers: How to Thrive as a Woman in Hospitality,” the event will bring together women working in all sectors of hospitality to share their experiences of working in the industry. Speakers include:

• Hannah Sharman-Cox and Siobhan Payne of Drink Up London
• Agnieszka Josko, F&B Operations Manager at Flemings Mayfair
• Jacqui McMillan, General Manager of Novotel Canary Wharf and Bokan
• Anna Sebastien, Bar Manager of Artesian
• Emma Rice, Head Wine Maker and Director, Hattingley Valley Wines
• Camille Vidal, Founder La Maison Wellness
• Raissa and Joyce de Haas, Founders of Double Dutch Drinks.

Attendance is free and open to the public. Spaces are limited, to book please email rsvp@rochecom.com.

On collaborating with the brand, Molly Assheton of Percy & Founders comments: “We love the work being done by Double Dutch in this space and are proud to take part in an event that will further the cause of women in hospitality. Conversations such as these are highly important and necessary for the development and improvement of the industry.”

Potential applicants can apply to the Double Dutch scholarship programme online from 8^th March until the end of April. The programme is open to UK women who are looking to enter or already working in the bartending industry aged 21 or older, all backgrounds and experience levels accepted.

Source: Double Dutch