Here are the best barista courses in the UK. These coffee courses are the best places to learn more about coffee for expert barista training...

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We've shifted from a nation of tea drinkers to coffee fanatics. The first coffee revolution came in the early 1900s with instant coffee that allowed us to get our caffeine fix any time, then big chains like Starbucks brought the second wave of espresso bars and more discerning consumers. As we’ve all become even more interested in providence and flavour, we’ve found ourselves in the middle of what’s termed the ‘third wave’: a focus on the individual coffees characteristics and how brewing methods effect flavour.

If you’re a coffee junkie like many of us at the olive office and want to learn more, coffee workshops and courses are a great place to start. Whether you’re a novice or want to improve your skills, here’s our pick of the best across the UK.

Prufrock coffee

Based in Farringdon, Prufrock has achieved cult status in London for their innovation and dedication to great coffee. The space incorporates a SCAE (The Speciality Coffee Association of Europe) training school and they run courses from an introduction to coffee right up to professional barista and brewing skills. Prices from £110, prufrockcoffee.com

Extract coffee roasters

Started in 2007 by three friends in their garden shed on a mission to make coffee as good as it can be, Extract Coffee Roasters have expanded and are now based in Bristol city centre. Sign up for a bean subscription from £5.30/week, or book onto one of their 1 day home barista brew courses where you’ll learn everything from crop to cup, including providence, roasting and brewing including milk-based drinks. £80, extractcoffee.co.uk

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Ozone coffee roasters

Based in the heart of Shoreditch, Ozone is a roastery, café and wholesalers started by a husband a wife team after discovering a love of coffee while taking donated medical supplies to coffee growing communities in El Salvador and Guatemala. Courses cover home filter, home espresso and an introduction to roasting and cupping. From £30, ozonecoffee.co.uk

Quarter Horse Coffee

With branches in Birmingham and Oxford, the teams here offer two different classes: one focuses on espresso making and tasting, while the other concentrates on filter coffee, taste evaluation and brewing at home. There's also a level 2 espresso course that takes you through milk steaming and drinks prep for those who are looking for a bit more of a challenge. £40, dates TBC. quarterhorsecoffee.com

Artisan Roast

One of the most famous craft rosters in Scotland, these guys are serious about coffee. Join them for an espresso masterclass where you’ll learn how to set up, the art of tamping, how extraction impacts flavour, how to steam milk and an intro to latte art. £85, artisanroast.co.uk

Department of coffee and social affairs

With eight locations across the capital, Department of coffee and social affairs offers something for everyone. They give back, too, working with a number of charities including UK charity Pump Aid which helps to provide people with clean water in sub-Saharan Africa. Courses are split into espresso or brewing so you can choose what suits you best. From £40, departmentofcoffee.com

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Laynes

Close to Leeds trains station, Laynes is a popular choice with commuters, especially as they keep rotating both their espresso and brewed coffee to showcase different blends roasted by Square Mile in London. They offer three consumer courses: basic barista skills, latte art and coffee at home to give you all the skills you need. Each session lasts 2 hours. £60, laynesespresso.co.uk


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