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

March 2026

10

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

10th March 2026 (9:30 am - 12:30 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...

Read more
View Details
11

SCA Intermediate Barista Skills Course

11th and 12th March 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...

Read more
View Details
18

SCA Foundation Barista Skills Course

18th March 2026 (9:30 am - 4:30 pm)

This course gets you up and running with all the key skills you need to operate your espresso machine, from setting your grinder for perfect espresso extraction, foaming and texturing your milk fo...

Read more
View Details
20

Home Barista Course

Friday 20th March 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 ...

Read more
View Details
23

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

23rd March 2026 (9:30 am - 12:30 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...

Read more
View Details
27

Home Brewing Course

Friday 27th March 2026 (10am - 12.30pm)

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

Read more
View Details

April 2026

07

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

7th April 2026 (9:30 am - 12:30 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...

Read more
View Details
10

Home Barista Course

Friday 10th April 2026 (1.30pm - 4pm)

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 ...

Read more
View Details
14

SCA Foundation Barista Skills Course

14th April 2026 (9:30 am - 4:30 pm)

This course gets you up and running with all the key skills you need to operate your espresso machine, from setting your grinder for perfect espresso extraction, foaming and texturing your milk fo...

Read more
View Details
15

Advanced Barista - Module 2

15th April 2026 (9:30 am - 12:30 pm)

Taking your espresso and milk skills to the next level! Understanding extraction and manipulating brew recipes Managing and maintaining your grinder Latte art - key techniques and classic pours W...

Read more
View Details
21

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

21st April 2026 (9:30 am - 12:30 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...

Read more
View Details

May 2026

08

Home Barista Course

Friday 8th May 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 ...

Read more
View Details

June 2026

12

Home Barista Course

12th June 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 ...

Read more
View Details
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

Read more
View Details

July 2026

10

Home Barista Course

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 ...

Read more
View Details

ENTER THE DARK WOODS