Now in its sixth year, the mentorship programme continues to champion education, mentorship and leadership opportunities for women across the UK on-trade. Applications rose by 35% year on year in 2026, reflecting growing demand for initiatives supporting women into leadership roles within hospitality, a sector where women represent a significant share of the workforce but remain underrepresented at senior levels.
The scholars took part in an expanded programme of virtual and in-person workshops covering drinks education, confidence, personal branding, professional development and industry access. Live sessions were hosted at Swingers West End, 58 & Co Distillery, with the final graduation ceremony taking place at The Chancery Rosewood.
Launched in 2021 by twin founders Joyce de Haas and Raissa de Haas, the Female Bartending Scholarship was created to directly address the leadership gap by empowering women behind the bar and across the drinks industry through structured training, mentorship and career development.
Recent research carried out by one of the Scholarship Mentors, Anna Sebastian of Anna Sebastian Hospitality, highlighted that hospitality is often a long-term career destination for women – even for those who initially enter the industry by chance.
The findings suggest that entry into the sector is split between intention and circumstance, with 57% joining through a pre-existing passion for hospitality and 41% entering by chance. However, career perception shifts significantly over time, with 78% of employees who initially viewed hospitality as temporary now seeing it as a long-term career.
While many go on to build lasting careers in the sector, the research also highlights key structural challenges: 39% of women cited a lack of mentorship around progression, and fewer than one-third of women felt adequately supported in their roles.
When asked what training would most support their progression, respondents highlighted leadership and management, career development, and wine and beverage knowledge.
Raissa de Haas, co-founder, Double Dutch Drinks, said: “Celebrate Her’s research shows exactly why we started the scholarship. Lack of mentorship, insufficient training and support are holding women back being the leaders in hospitality and we’re here to change that. This industry is vibrant, creative, innovative, the lifeblood of our cities and social lives, and every person should feel seen and supported. Seeing the confidence, talent and growth across the group over the past few months has been incredible. This programme has never just been about cocktail or technical skills – it’s about helping women build long-term careers, networks and belief in themselves within hospitality. A huge thank you to all of our incredible mentors who gave their time, knowledge and encouragement throughout the past 3 months. Having people willing to openly share their experience and support the next generation really does make a difference.”
