Learn the craft behind the cup

Great latte art is more than a pretty pattern. It’s the sign of well-steamed milk, balanced technique, and care in every cup. This beginner-friendly class introduces the foundations of milk texturing and pouring, so you can start creating simple designs like hearts and tulips, whether you’re practising at home or starting out behind the bar.

What you’ll learn

• Milk texturing: the science behind it, and how to create the silky microfoam that latte art depends on.
• Pouring technique: how milk flow, rotation, and pouring height work together for consistent results.
• Your first patterns: step-by-step guidance to pour a heart and a tulip.
• Troubleshooting: how to spot and fix common mistakes in milk preparation and pouring.
• A day out with a difference: bring a friend or family member and learn a skill worth showing off at work or at home.

Step into the world of coffee in this hands-on, small-group class. You’ll trace coffee from its origins to the roaster, then learn the skills behind a well-pulled espresso and silky, velvety milk. By the end, you’ll have the confidence and know-how to make café-quality drinks in your own kitchen.

What you’ll learn

• Choosing your gear: how to pick the right espresso machine and grinder for your home setup and budget.
• Understanding beans: how to read a coffee label, and how origin and roast shape flavour in the cup.
• Espresso fundamentals: dialling in your settings, levelling, and tamping for a consistent shot.
• Milk steaming: how to create smooth, glossy, velvety texture every time.
• Machine care: simple cleaning routines that keep your equipment in top condition.

This hands-on course gives you a practical grounding in espresso brewing and essential barista skills. You’ll get to know professional espresso machinery quickly and build real experience with it, then finish with the confidence to start working behind a bar.

What you’ll learn

• Coffee knowledge: species and varieties.
• Espresso fundamentals: recipes, consistent dosing, tamping, dialling in your grinder, and making espresso consistently.
• Bar organisation: how to set up and run your workstation efficiently.
• Milk texturing: steaming and pouring techniques for different drinks, including attractive, creamy-textured cappuccinos.
• Latte art: the fundamentals.
• Customer service: the skills that make a good barista great.
• Water and equipment care: essential water chemistry, plus cleaning and caring for your equipment.

Your day

A one-day course running from approximately 9:30am to 3:30pm, depending on the number of students attending.

Morning session: theory and knowledge development. Afternoon session: practical skills and examination.

You’ll complete a basic practical examination during the day, followed by a written exam, which you should finish within 21 days of the course.