Dark Woods Coffee

training

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

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June 2026

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

8th June 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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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 ...

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Core Barista Skills - Module 1

16th June 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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Core Barista Skills - Module 1

22nd June 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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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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Core Barista Skills - Module 1

30th June 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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July 2026

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

6th July 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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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 ...

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Core Barista Skills - Module 1

14th July 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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Core Barista Skills - Module 1

28th July 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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