Brewing coffee is the last, and in many ways, the most crucial link in a chain can be traced all the way back to origin. Just to get our coffee into a bag involves countless hours of dedicated work by many people cross several continents. In the bag it has the potential to be consumed and enjoyed in a way that does justice to this journey, but only if prepared with care and understanding.
Brush up on your coffee knowledge and espresso skills, click to download these useful guides.
You can see then why training is at the heart of everything that we do here at Dark Woods. Paul was one of the first barista trainers in the UK to deliver training programmes that engaged with some of the scientific principles that are now enshrined within the Speciality Coffee Association, and was a leading figure in developing the course content for its Barista Skills programme which is now taught worldwide. We offer full and free access to the programme to wholesale customers and to paying private individuals.
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 all of our accounts.
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.
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.
January 2025 |
|||
Date |
Event |
Information |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 07 |
Core Barista Skills - Module 1 (9:30-12:30) |
The essentials on setting up your grinder and foaming perfect milk |
More info |
| 10 |
Home Barista Course |
The perfect introduction to barista skills. You’ll learn how to dial in your grinders for plump and flavourful espresso and texture silky micro-foam for your favourite milk-based drinks. Please note that this course is for espresso machine owners or those thinking of making the investment. If you make coffee at home using other methods like French Press or filter machine our brand-new Home Brewing course has got you covered. |
More info |
| 14 |
SCA Foundation Barista (9:30 - 4:30) |
The beginning of your Barista skills journey with the SCA. Learn all core skills for brewing espresso, texturing milk and understanding and managing your equipment. A practical exam on the day and an online written exam afterwards give you the opportunity to gain a valuable real-world qualification in coffee skills. |
More info |
| 20 |
Core Barista Skills - Module 1 (9:30-12:30) |
The essentials on setting up your grinder and foaming perfect milk |
More info |
| 24 |
Home Brewing Course |
Everything but espresso! We will take you through a guided tasting of coffee styles to help you navigate the sometimes overwhelming choice of beans available to home consumers. Once you have found your perfect coffee we will demonstrate key brewing principles before guiding you through a hands-on demonstration of the most common non-espresso methods. |
More info |
| 28 |
Advanced Milk - Module 3 (9:30-12:30) |
Learn workflow skills for multiple drinks making and develop your latte art |
More info |
February 2025 |
|||
| 04 |
Core Barista Skills - Module 1 (9:30-12:30) |
The essentials on setting up your grinder and foaming perfect milk |
More info |
| 11 |
SCA Foundation Barista (9:30 am - 4:30 pm) |
The beginning of your Barista skills journey with the SCA. Learn all core skills for brewing espresso, texturing milk and understanding and managing your equipment. A practical exam on the day and an online written exam afterwards give you the opportunity to gain a valuable real-world qualification in coffee skills. |
More info |
| 14 |
Home Barista Course |
The perfect introduction to barista skills. You’ll learn how to dial in your grinders for plump and flavourful espresso and texture silky micro-foam for your favourite milk-based drinks. Please note that this course is for espresso machine owners or those thinking of making the investment. If you make coffee at home using other methods like French Press or filter machine our brand-new Home Brewing course has got you covered. |
More info |
| 18 |
Core Barista Skills - Module 1 9:30-12:30 |
The essentials on setting up your grinder and foaming perfect milk |
More info |
| 25 |
Advanced Espresso - Module 2 (9:30-12:30) |
Learn to confidently manipulate brew recipes and understand extraction |
More info |
| 28 |
Home Brewing Course |
Everything but espresso! We will take you through a guided tasting of coffee styles to help you navigate the sometimes overwhelming choice of beans available to home consumers. Once you have found your perfect coffee we will demonstrate key brewing principles before guiding you through a hands-on demonstration of the most common non-espresso methods. |
More info |
March 2025 |
|||
| 14 |
Home Barista Course |
The perfect introduction to barista skills. You’ll learn how to dial in your grinders for plump and flavourful espresso and texture silky micro-foam for your favourite milk-based drinks. Please note that this course is for espresso machine owners or those thinking of making the investment. If you make coffee at home using other methods like French Press or filter machine our brand-new Home Brewing course has got you covered. |
More info |
| 28 |
Home Brewing Course |
Everything but espresso! We will take you through a guided tasting of coffee styles to help you navigate the sometimes overwhelming choice of beans available to home consumers. Once you have found your perfect coffee we will demonstrate key brewing principles before guiding you through a hands-on demonstration of the most common non-espresso methods. |
More info |
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