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Celebrating the pioneers, innovators, and trailblazers of the hospitality world this International Women’s Day!
The hospitality industry thrives on warmth, creativity, and a knack for making people feel wonderfully at home. Whether it’s a beautifully run hotel, a bustling restaurant, or a cocktail that becomes the talk of the town, the magic often lies in the people behind the scenes.
And throughout history, women have been right at the heart of that magic.
This International Women’s Day, it feels only right to celebrate some of the remarkable women who helped shape the hospitality industry as we know it - from inventing drinks that would become timeless classics, running legendary establishments and leading the industry into the future.
So pop the kettle on (or pour something stronger) and let’s meet a few of the women who have left their mark on hospitality.
Ada Coleman – The Queen of Cocktails
In the early 20th century, when cocktail bars were very much a man’s world, Ada Coleman was quietly making history.
Known affectionately as “Coley”, she became the head bartender at the Savoy Hotel’s American Bar in London in 1903 - one of the most prestigious bartending roles in the world at the time. She held the position for over two decades, serving everyone from aristocrats to Hollywood stars.
Her most famous creation? The Hanky Panky cocktail — a delightful mix of gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca that still appears on cocktail menus today.
More than a century later, bartenders around the world still tip their hats to Coley.
Bessie Williamson – The Woman Who Saved Laphroaig
Scotland’s whisky industry has traditionally been male dominated, but Bessie Williamson proved that talent and determination matter far more than tradition.
Originally hired as a shorthand typist at the Laphroaig Distillery on the Isle of Islay in the 1930s, Williamson quickly demonstrated remarkable business acumen. By the 1950s she had become the distillery’s owner and manager — an extraordinary achievement at the time.
Under her leadership, Laphroaig expanded internationally and strengthened its reputation as one of the world’s most distinctive Scotch whiskies.
She remains one of the most important female figures in whisky history.
Madame Clicquot – The Grand Dame of Champagne
If you’ve ever celebrated with a glass of champagne, you may have Madame Clicquot to thank.
Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, better known as Madame Clicquot, took over her husband’s champagne business in 1805 after he died unexpectedly. At just 27, she became one of the first women to lead a global wine company.
Her innovations changed champagne production forever. She developed the riddling table, a process still used today to clarify champagne, and helped pioneer the first recorded vintage champagne.
Her house, Veuve Clicquot, remains one of the most recognisable names in the world of sparkling wine.
Mary Dowling – The “Mother of Bourbon”
Mary Dowling is one of the most fascinating — and often overlooked — figures in American whiskey history.
During the early 1900s, Dowling ran the Waterfill & Frazier Distillery in Kentucky alongside her husband. When Prohibition hit in the United States, many distillers shut their doors.
Dowling did the opposite.
She relocated operations to Mexico, continued producing bourbon, and legally exported it back into the United States for medicinal purposes. Her determination ensured the brand survived one of the most challenging periods in spirits history.
For that reason, she’s often remembered as the “Mother of Bourbon.”
Alice Waters – The Woman Who Changed Restaurant Culture
Alice Waters didn’t just open a restaurant — she sparked a culinary movement.
In 1971 she founded Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California, with a philosophy that now feels obvious but was revolutionary at the time: use seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and treat food with simplicity and respect.
Her influence helped shape the modern farm-to-table movement and changed how restaurants around the world think about ingredients, sustainability, and community.
Many chefs today cite her as one of the most influential restaurateurs of the modern era.
Female Leaders to Watch in Hospitality Today
The legacy of women in hospitality continues to grow stronger every year. Across the globe, women are leading hotels, bars, restaurants, and drinks brands in exciting new directions.
Here are a few inspiring names making waves today:
Clare Smyth
The first female chef in the UK to earn three Michelin stars, Clare Smyth is the chef-patron of Core by Clare Smyth in London. Known for elegant British cuisine and extraordinary precision, she is widely regarded as one of the most influential chefs in the world.
Monica Berg
A globally recognised bartender and co-owner of Tayēr + Elementary in London, Monica Berg is redefining modern cocktail culture. She is also a leading voice advocating for sustainability, creativity, and equality within the global bar community.
Julie Reiner
Often called one of the pioneers of the modern cocktail revival in the United States, Julie Reiner founded several influential cocktail bars in New York, including Clover Club and Flatiron Lounge. She has played a major role in mentoring the next generation of bartenders.
Alex Kratena & Monica Berg’s hospitality movement collaborators
While Alex Kratena co-founded Tayēr + Elementary alongside Monica Berg, Berg’s leadership in building a global bar community — through initiatives like hospitality education and industry advocacy — continues to inspire bartenders worldwide.
The Women Behind the Welcome
Of course, the story of women in hospitality isn’t just about famous names.
It’s about the hotel housekeepers who ensure every room feels like home.
The chefs perfecting dishes in bustling kitchens.
The bar managers crafting the next signature cocktail.
The distillers shaping tomorrow’s spirits.
The hotel managers leading teams that deliver exceptional guest experiences every day.
Hospitality has always been powered by people, and women have long been at its heart.
A Toast to the Future
The industry is evolving rapidly, and women are playing a bigger role than ever in shaping its future. With more women leading hotels, running kitchens, managing bars, launching spirits brands, and opening restaurants, the next chapter looks incredibly exciting.
So this International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the pioneers who came before, the leaders driving change today, and the next generation of women ready to redefine hospitality all over again.
Because the best hospitality stories aren’t just about places.
They’re about the people who make everyone feel welcome.
Cheers to them! 🥂
