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

October 2025

28

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

28th October 2025 (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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November 2025

03

SCA Foundation Barista Skills Course

3rd November 2025 (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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05

Advanced Barista - Module 2

5th November 2025 (9:30am - 12:30pm)

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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11

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

11th November 2025 (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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18

SCA Intermediate Barista Skills Course

18th and 19th November 2025 (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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21

Home Barista Course

Friday 21st November 2025 (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 ...

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24

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

24th November 2025 (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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December 2025

10

SCA Foundation Barista Skills Course

10th December 2025 (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
12

Home Barista Course

Friday 12th December 2025 (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
16

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

16th December 2025 (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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19

Home Brewing Course

Friday 19th December 2025 (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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March 2026

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