Dark Woods have a long history of coffee education at the highest level. Co-founder Paul spent many years as the “lead creator’ for the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) Barista Qualifications. Now the largest coffee education program in the World, the qualifications did much to standardise best practise worldwide, as well as bring scientific principles into the “art” of making coffee.

Courses are taught at the Mill by SCA accredited trainer Tom who is also on hand to deliver regular on-site training, audits and friendly encouragement to our wholesale customers.

TRAINING CALENDAR

What course is best for you?

We offer a range of courses, for the inquisitive home barista, through to skilled coffee professionals.

SCA Foundation, Intermediate & Professional Qualifications:

If a formal qualification is your aim, then this for you. A more structured and formal program, starting for beginners with the one-day Foundation course. Competent barista’s may advance their knowledge on the two-day Intermediate Course and then progress to the highest three-day Professional Course.

Dark Woods Modular Programme:

Alongside the SCA courses we also offer our very own unique modular training system that divides key coffee skills into six easily digestible 90-minute sessions. Less formal and no exams! Each module has exercises, training resources and opportunities to measure and record staff attainment as well as downloadable training aids and tools designed to encourage best practise in the workplace.

Download our training guides (also see our Brewing page for guides to other brewing methods)

INTROduction TO COFFEE
MILK TECHNIQUES

June 2026

16

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

16th June 2026 (10 am - 1 pm)

All the practical espresso machine skills you need to deliver delicious drinks, including: Introduction to brew recipes Dialling in your grinder Steaming and texturing milk for a range of drinks E...
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22

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

22nd June 2026 (10 am - 1 pm)

All the practical espresso machine skills you need to deliver delicious drinks, including: Introduction to brew recipes Dialling in your grinder Steaming and texturing milk for a range of drinks E...
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26

Home Brewing Course

Friday 26th June 2026 (1.30pm - 4pm)

Everything but espresso! Exploring the world of coffee Essential brewing principles Choosing home brewing equipment Hands-on brewing activities
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30

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

30th June 2026 (10 am - 1 pm)

All the practical espresso machine skills you need to deliver delicious drinks, including: Introduction to brew recipes Dialling in your grinder Steaming and texturing milk for a range of drinks E...
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July 2026

06

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

6th July 2026 (10 am - 1 pm)

All the practical espresso machine skills you need to deliver delicious drinks, including: Introduction to brew recipes Dialling in your grinder Steaming and texturing milk for a range of drinks E...
View Details
10

Home Barista Course

Friday 10th July 2026 (1:30pm - 4:00 pm)

All the essentials for the budding home barista, including: Choosing the right espresso for you Understanding your equipment Dialling in a brew recipe Texturing milk Please note that this course ...
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14

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

14th July 2026 (10 am - 1 pm)

All the practical espresso machine skills you need to deliver delicious drinks, including: Introduction to brew recipes Dialling in your grinder Steaming and texturing milk for a range of drinks E...
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16

Advanced Milk

Thursday 16th July (10am - 1pm)

Refine your milk skills for greater efficiency and enhanced presentation: What is in our milk? Multiple drinks making and workflow techniques Latte art fundamentals Patterns - hearts, rosettas, tu...
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20

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

20th July 2026 (10 am - 1 pm)

All the practical espresso machine skills you need to deliver delicious drinks, including: Introduction to brew recipes Dialling in your grinder Steaming and texturing milk for a range of drinks E...
View Details
21

Advanced Espresso

Tuesday 21st July 2026 (10am - 1pm)

A deep dive into the theory and practice of delivering excellent espresso, including: Understanding extraction Measuring and charting TDS and extraction % Manipulating brew recipes Managing and ...
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24

Home Barista Course

Friday 24th July 2026 (10am - 12:30pm)

All the essentials for the budding home barista, including: Choosing the right espresso for you Understanding your equipment Dialling in a brew recipe Texturing milk Please note that this course ...
View Details
28

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

28th July 2026 (10 am - 1 pm)

All the practical espresso machine skills you need to deliver delicious drinks, including: Introduction to brew recipes Dialling in your grinder Steaming and texturing milk for a range of drinks E...
View Details

August 2026

11

Advanced Milk

Tuesday 11th August (10am - 1pm)

Refine your milk skills for greater efficiency and enhanced presentation: What is in our milk? Multiple drinks making and workflow techniques Latte art fundamentals Patterns - hearts, rosettas, tu...
View Details
14

Home Barista Course

Friday 14th August 2026 (10am - 12:30pm)

All the essentials for the budding home barista, including: Choosing the right espresso for you Understanding your equipment Dialling in a brew recipe Texturing milk Please note that this course ...
View Details
18

SCA Intermediate Barista Skills Course

Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th August 2026 (9:30 am - 4:30 pm)

Broaden your understanding of coffee as an ingredient and explore the science of extraction and brewing. Learn enhanced espresso preparation techniques and skills to improve your latte art. Underst...
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25

Advanced Espresso

Tuesday 25th August 2026 (10am - 1pm)

A deep dive into the theory and practice of delivering excellent espresso, including: Understanding extraction Measuring and charting TDS and extraction % Manipulating brew recipes Managing and ...
View Details
28

Home Barista Course

Friday 28th August 2026 (1:30pm - 4:00 pm)

All the essentials for the budding home barista, including: Choosing the right espresso for you Understanding your equipment Dialling in a brew recipe Texturing milk Please note that this course ...
View Details

September 2026

11

Home Barista Course

Friday 11th September 2026 (10am - 12:30pm)

All the essentials for the budding home barista, including: Choosing the right espresso for you Understanding your equipment Dialling in a brew recipe Texturing milk Please note that this course ...
View Details
25

Home Brewing Course

Friday 25th September 2026 (1.30pm - 4pm)

Everything but espresso! Exploring the world of coffee Essential brewing principles Choosing home brewing equipment Hands-on brewing activities
View Details

October 2026

13

SCA Professional Barista Skills Course

Tuesday 13th - Thursday 15th October 2026 (9:30 am - 4:30 pm)

The final step on the SCA Barista Skills programme, this a challenging but hugely rewarding course that will stretch your skills and understanding. Building on the concepts introduced by the SCA ...
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ENTER THE DARK WOODS