By Prosper Mene
Premium South African craft gin brand Inverroche has taken a significant step in supporting Nigeria’s hospitality industry by launching BartendHer, a dedicated platform aimed at empowering female bartenders with greater visibility, recognition, and professional community support.
The inaugural BartendHer event was held on May 12, 2026, in Lekki, Lagos. It brought together talented female bartenders, industry leaders, business executives, and high-profile guests for an afternoon of celebration, dialogue, and craft appreciation. The initiative underscores Inverroche’s commitment to backing communities that embody dedication and purpose — values central to the brand since its founding by Lorna Scott in South Africa. In Nigeria, Inverroche is distributed by Pernod Ricard.
Amplifying Women’s Voices in Bartending
The event placed female bartenders at the forefront. Speakers included:
Myad Omile, founder of The Thirsty Nerd and a seven-year industry veteran, who shared experiences of having her expertise questioned before even mixing a drink.
Rosemary Aliri of Rose Bar Events, who highlighted the importance of perseverance and professional excellence amid workplace challenges.
Happiness Cletus of The Bar Muse, who emphasized that female bartenders are relevant, strong, and ready to compete on the global stage.
Lara Rawa, a respected spirits curator and long-time mentor in Nigeria’s cocktail scene, founded BartendHer. She described the platform as more than a one-off event — it serves as an ongoing infrastructure for support, with registration and mentorship opportunities available at BartendHer.ng.
A roundtable discussion featuring Mr. Nahi Habib (RSVP Lagos), Ms. Benedicta Ogar (Cavodah Hospitality), and Ms. Lola Bowole (Providus Bank) explored career pathways, professional systems, and sustainable success in Nigerian hospitality.
High-Level Support and Brand Commitment
The event enjoyed notable attendance, including the Honourable Minister for Women Affairs, who commended the initiative for elevating women in the industry. Other dignitaries present were:
Dr. Godrey Ogbechie, Group Executive Director of Rainoil
Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Pioneer Mandate Secretary for the Women Secretariat FCTA
Mr. Bolaji Ogunlende, Honourable Commissioner for Youths, Lagos State
Ebere Aham, Market Lead for Inverroche Gin in Nigeria, addressed the bartenders directly: “People see the final drink. People don’t see the long hours. People don’t see the emotional intelligence, the work that goes into curating the final glass. Day after day, you’re true to your craft.”
Guests enjoyed expertly crafted cocktails featuring Inverroche Gin throughout the afternoon. The event concluded with professional headshots for all attending female bartenders — a practical step toward greater industry recognition.
Inverroche Gin, known for its fynbos-infused craft gins, has a history of championing creativity and community. Backing BartendHer aligns with this ethos, providing tangible support to women shaping Nigeria’s dynamic bartending and mixology scene.
BartendHer is now open for female bartenders to join the community, access resources, and participate in upcoming mentorship programmes.
