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

January 2026

05

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

5th January 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...

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View Details
14

SCA Foundation Barista Skills Course

14th January 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...

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16

Home Barista Course

Friday 16th January 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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View Details
20

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

20th January 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

February 2026

04

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

4th February 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
17

SCA Foundation Barista Skills Course

17th February 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...

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View Details
18

Advanced Barista - Module 2

18th February 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...

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20

Home Barista Course

Friday 20th February 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
23

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

23rd February 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

March 2026

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
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

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June 2026

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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ENTER THE DARK WOODS