We’re delighted to share that 58 and CO will once again be hosting part of the Double Dutch Female Bartending Scholarship, as the programme returns for its sixth year in 2026. We’re also proud to announce that our founder, Carmen O’Neal, will be joining the scholarship as a mentor.
Launched in 2021 by Double Dutch co-founders Joyce and Raissa de Haas, the scholarship was created to support women across hospitality through education, mentorship and career development - addressing the stark imbalance between the number of women in the industry and those in leadership roles.
At 58 and CO, supporting women in hospitality isn’t a tick-box exercise - it’s part of who we are. From founding the distillery to building our team - 75% of our team (three out of four of us) are female - and we’ve seen firsthand how transformative mentorship and opportunity can be.
For 2026, 12 scholars will be selected to take part in an enhanced programme of workshops, mentorship and industry access. Sessions will be hosted at leading venues including The Chancery Rosewood, Swingers West End and at 58 and CO's London distillery, and scholars will gain access to Double Dutch’s largest network of female hospitality leaders to date.
As Joyce de Haas puts it:
“Women make up 70% of the hospitality workforce, yet only 8% of leadership positions. Progress doesn’t happen by accident – you have to actively create pathways.”
Our founder, Carmen O'Neal, joins an inspiring mentor line-up from across the UK drinks and hospitality sector, including Laura Willoughby MBE, Anna Sebastian, Lauren Mote, Wendy Hopkins, Claudia Carrozzi and many more outstanding leaders.
The scholarship is open to women at all experience levels across the UK hospitality industry - whether you’re just starting out or ready to take the next step into leadership.
📅 Apply by 17 February 2026
📣 Winners announced on International Women’s Day, 8 March 2026
👉 Enter now and be part of a community actively shaping the future of hospitality.
We can’t wait to welcome the next cohort to 58 and CO!
Last year's program introduced us to the rising star Jade Rose, who has since worked with us to create some amazing cocktail recipes and can be found hosting our Gin School experiences.