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

November 2026

09

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

9th November 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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17

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

17th November 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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18

SCA Intermediate Barista Skills Course

18th and 19th November (10 am - 4 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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23

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

23rd November 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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24

Advanced Milk

24th November 2026 (10 am - 1 pm)

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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27

Home Barista Course

Friday 27th November 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 ...
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December 2026

01

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

1st December 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
11

Home Barista Course

Friday 11th December 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
14

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

14th December 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

January 2027

08

Home Barista Course

Friday 8th January 2027 (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 ...
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22

Home Brewing Course

Friday 22nd January 2027 (10am - 12.30pm)

Everything but espresso! Exploring the world of coffee Essential brewing principles Choosing home brewing equipment Hands-on brewing activities
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February 2027

12

Home Barista Course

Friday 12th February 2027 (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
26

Home Barista Course

Friday 26th February 2027 (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 ...
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ENTER THE DARK WOODS