What do I learn at a barista course with Absolute Coffee?

A lot! And it is enjoyable at the same time. This is just a great coffee course!

We start the course by getting to know each other and we have a look at what you would like to get out of the barista training. There is not exactly set content as we like to teach what interest you the most. Customise the course to each student if you like. For example, if you would like to focus on milk steaming then we can do this.

During the training you will learn the most important essential barista skills. We will teach you what coffee is, how it grows and how it is harvested. Then we explain how coffee is roasted and we talk about freshness and packaging.

After this we go straight into making espressos. You will learn how to make 'championship standard' espresso and we run you through the process step by step. This means you will learn how to calibrate a coffee grinder, how to use good dosing techniques, how to tamp the coffee and watch for the perfect extraction.

Do I also learn how to steam milk properly?

Most definitely! We actually spend a lot of time steaming milk and pouring cappuccinos and caffe lattes. Probably 50% of the course is spend on perfecting milk steaming and pouring drinks.
After all, most of the drinks you will sell are cappuccinos and caffe lattes.

And we will even introduce you to latte art.

Do I learn how to make a flat white, like Costa?

A flat white is an interesting drink and now the big chain is offering them, we get a lot of interest in the drink. We can certainly teach you how to make a great flat white, like they do it in Australia and New Zealand.

How about cleaning procedures and the workings of the espresso machine?

Yes, we teach you how to clean an espresso machine and also talk about the workings of the espresso machine and coffee grinder.

Where is the barista training course held?

At the moment we have two locations for the barista training.

The barista training can be held in a coffee shop in Halifax, West Yorkshire. The coffee shop has two floors and we have set up a training area downstairs which is designed for barista training.

The other training location is in Colne in Lancashire. This is a fantastic location with a wide range of espresso machines and grinders. Each student has their own grinder and workstation allowing for a lot of time to practise. The training is in a relaxed environment allowing for perfect training courses.

How much does the barista course cost?

The barista training course cost £85.00 per person which you can pay on the day of the training.

When is the next barista course?

All courses are scheduled on demand. Simply get in touch with us, ask any additional questions you might have and let us know some dates that work well for you.

How long does the course last?

The course usually last 3 to 4 hours. We have found this to be an ideal time for learning. Any longer and you will not pick things up too well. And yes, it is more then enough time to learn how to make delicious coffees!

What time does the course start?

We are flexible with starting times although we usually start the course at 9.30 which will make sure that you are finished by lunch time.

Do I learn how to make different kind of drinks?

We can teach you how to make all drinks on the barista's menu such as espresso, ristretto, espresso macchiato, americano, cappuccino, caffe latte, caffe mocha etc.

I am a home coffee drinker, is this barista course good for domestic users?

Very much so! The course is open to anyone and we even allow for you to bring your own domestic espresso machine. This way you can practice on your own equipment during the course.

And if you can't make it to us then maybe we can over to you instead.

Do you provide me with a certificate for barista training?

We are more than happy to provide you with a certificate saying that you have successfully completed a barista course with Absolute Coffee.

Looking for another course we offer?

• Latte art training course
• In-house barista training course
• Consultancy course

How many people do you teach per course?

This is the great thing: we can teach either just one person or small groups of people. Usually we run the course with only one or two people at a time.

With in-house barista training we can train groups. The more people the less practice time though so we recommend small groups if possible.

Feel free to ask us questions during the course about the running of a coffee business or the design of a coffee bar.

Do you offer barista training for the weekend?

Yes we do. No problem at all.

Who is your barista trainer?

The barista training is done by Youri Vlag, who started Absolute Coffee, and has a great passion for teaching and for coffee.

Youri has always been a teacher and now teaches people how to make coffee almost every day. He has been teaching the art of making fantastic coffee for years now and also used to work in and manage coffee shops.

The experience of working in coffee shops is really useful and helps with teaching people.