This past Christmas was all about coffee. I got my first ever Bialetti Moka pot while my brother got a one-day barista course. And while I was appreciative of my gift since I could now make my own espressos whenever I liked, I was still left with a pang of jealousy.
Why?
It’s all well and good to have basic, sought-after implements for your regular caffeine fix. But knowing exactly what you’re doing … aye, there’s the rub. To ensure you get your coffee-making skills down to an art, we’ve scoured the Mother City for the best barista courses on offer. You can thank us later.
1 Truth Coffee
Having been named the world’s second-coolest coffee shop two years ago, and maintaining its popularity ever since, Truth Coffee is an ideal training outlet for people who either just love their coffee or intend to start a career in the industry. Treat yourself (or a coffee-loving friend) to the brief Introductory Course that covers information, theory and history surrounding coffee as well as instruction on equipment and pouring the perfect espresso, or the Coffee Appreciation Course, which lasts two to four hours and covers milk preparation, presentation and the coffee-tasting method known as cupping. For serious aficionados, there’s a five-day Professional Barista Course, offering a far more in-depth look at creating the numerous espresso-based drinks on the menu.
OF NOTE
When Various dates
Where 36 Buitenkant Street, CBD
Cost Introductory Barista Course R450, Coffee Appreciation Course R650, Professional Barista Course R6 000
Contact +27 21 200 0440, [email protected], truthcoffee.com
2 Origin Coffee Roasters
A sleek joint that houses a passionate and expert team of coffee-makers, Origin Coffee Roasters is a dream come true for virtually everyone. It’s Barista Academy offers an abundance of programmes, from hour-long cupping and coffee knowledge sessions to three barista courses with all the bells and whistles. Our pick? The three-hour Home Barista Course for those who’d like to up their game a little or a three-day professional course. If you’d like to make a date of it, invite your significant other to join you at the ‘Mini’ Professional Course where couples get to learn the art of preparing a good cuppa – each on their own espresso machine. Origin schedules their courses ahead of time so head to their website to find out about the latest courses on offer.
OF NOTE
WhenVarious dates
Where 28 Hudson Street, De Waterkant
Cost Home Barista Course R600, ‘Mini’ Professional Barista Course R3 000, Professional Barista Course R3 500 at Quicket
Contact +27 21 421 1000, [email protected], originroasting.co.za
3 Shaker BarSchool
Shaker BarSchool can teach you the tricks of many drink-related trades. And if you’re keen on caffeine then look no further than their three-day long Professional Barista Course. It’s offered to newbies and intermediate learners, as well as people who already work in the hospitality industry and would like to increase their levels of experience and knowledge.
OF NOTE
When Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Where 235 Bree Street, CBD
Cost R4450 at shaker.co.za
Contact +27 21 422 1574, [email protected], shaker.co.za
4 Latte Love
If you’re looking for something that’s more cost effective but still facilitated byShaker BarSchool, then contact Plumstead-based agency Latte Love. This company offers two barista courses that are also held at the school’s studio. There’s the three-hour Coffee Masterclass for home baristas and a six-hour introductory barista course for those with more professional ambitions. Part of the latter course covers barista art, which we’re obvs down for. Latte Love can also send baristas to people’s residences or places of work for on-site training – just make sure you’ve got all the essentials.
OF NOTE
When Various dates
Where Shaker BarSchool, 235 Bree Street, CBD
Cost Coffee Master Class R875, Introduction Barista Course R1 540 at shaker.co.za
Contact +27 21 761 2342, [email protected], lattelove.co.za
Photography pexels.com, Archives