All about us
THE UK’S BEST COCKTAIL BARTENDING SCHOOL OFFERING PROFESSIONAL INTERNATIONAL BARTENDER TRAINING COURSES SINCE 2003.
COVID-19: Our school is temporarily closed until the global Coronavirus crisis improves. If you wish to be notified when we re-open please email us your name and we will contact you then.
Are you looking to start a new exciting career as a cocktail bartender? Perhaps you just want to learn the skills so you can earn money whilst travelling. Or maybe you just fancy learning something new and cool to show off at parties!We can transform you from a complete beginner into a fully trained professional ready to work in a cocktail bar in just 4 weeks. We can even get you that job you’re looking for.
Our top-level training will equip you with all of the skills and knowledge enabling you to stand out and feel totally at ease behind a busy working cocktail bar. Don’t just take our word for it, read our reviews.
If you have some basic bar experience but have never had any formal training then our course is also perfect for you as you will learn everything from the essentials to more advanced mixology and bartending techniques step by step.
Since 2003 the London Bar School has been training bartenders with the most up to date relevant techniques and recipes. Our course programme constantly evolves and is updated regularly to keep up with the latest trends in the industry.
Our 4 week long International Bartending Diploma course is held in the centre of London just minutes from King’s Cross. It costs £1095.00 and is also available with Central London hostel accommodation for those who do not live in London.
Choose the London Bar School if you want to be the very best AND have great fun whilst learning.
London Bar School: The Numbers
our next course starts on
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6 Reasons to choose us
What Our Students Have Said
Vince is extremely knowledgeable about all things cocktails and alcohol but he makes learning huge amounts of information really easy and fun. I’ve made lovely friends and landed the job that I wanted to get so I couldn’t ask for more
– Heather M. –
All I have to do is mention the training I’ve had from Vince and places WANT to meet you, without even sending them a CV… the resources, the teachers and experience you get are better than you’d expect!
– Craig H. –
I’ve been running my own bar for 7 years and I can honestly say I’ve learnt more in 4 weeks with Vince on his course than I did in my first few years as a bartender. I wish I’d done this course earlier! Not only will you learn how to make cocktails properly but you will make good friends and have a great time doing it
– Haps D. –
The course will give you all the opportunities you need to become a bad ass bartender. Great experience, great knowledge, awesome time and also all the support you need in getting a job.
– Sebastian M. –
Everything was great including the hostel. I can honestly say it was one of the best 4 weeks of my life. Go for it!
– Olly S. –
…when I took my bartending course with LBS I wouldn’t ever imagine that some day I would be in a book, be the best female bartender of my country and would be living this amazing adventure in bartending life!
– Carole C. –
You will be amazed by how much progress you can make in a month but most of all, Vince is just the best teacher I have seen in my entire life. Just go for it, you won’t regret it for a second!
– Simon E. –
The Course
INTERNATIONAL BARTENDING DIPLOMA COURSE
Our International Bartending Diploma course runs for 4 weeks and is held in central London at the Chapel Bar in Angel. Classes run for approximately 6 hours a day, Monday to Friday 9:45 to 16:00. A reasonable spoken and reading knowledge of English is required.
The course is for both beginners with no experience and for those who have some basic bartending skills. The emphasis of the course is to get you behind the bar making drinks rather than sitting behind a desk. This is the best way to gain confidence and feel comfortable behind a bar.
Throughout the 4 weeks you will learn the following:
Over 80 Cocktails
Learning both classic and contemporary cocktails, our recipes teach you the original methods and the latest variations of the most famous and important cocktails in the world, as they should be.
Free-pouring
The ability to pour alcohol accurately without using any measuring devices. You will learn a whole variety of amazing pouring techniques using up to 4 bottles at a time.
Preparation techniques
Shaking, mixing, layering, blending, stirring, straining, double straining, reverse dry shaking, muddling, rinsing, churning, rimming & building
Product knowledge
Learn about all of the main alcohols that are most commonly used. History, brand knowledge, production methods and tastings. Including vodka, gin, rum, whisky, brandy, tequila, liqueurs, beers and Champagne.
Bar set-up & breakdown
Learn how to set-up a cocktail bar for a busy service and how to clean it down at the end of the night.
Glassware & bar tools
Discover the range of glasses used in cocktail bars as well as all of the tools and equipment that can be found in the bar.
Garnishing
Learn a range of decorations and garnishes to enhance the look, the smell and the flavour of your drinks.
Customer service skills
Great customer service is key to being a successful bartender. Learn how to deal with most situations that may arise during service.
Sales techniques
It is important to be able to recommend and encourage your customers to try new and better products.
Hygiene and safety
Learn about maintaining excellent levels of hygiene and working safely in a busy environment.
Flairing
An introduction to working flair taught by one of Europe’s top flair masters, including a DVD of what you will learn.
plus lots more…
Efficient working practices, speed bartending, bar tricks, bar layout, types of ice, bar-backing, style, presentation.
Not everybody learns things at the same pace, so we monitor and test all students to identify anyone who may need some extra help or tuition.
In the last week of the course you will sit a written examination, take a practical cocktail making examination and perform a free-pouring examination. The marks from these 3 tests will make up your final course result, with passes ranging from a basic pass (E, over 65%) to an outstanding pass (A+, over 95%).
Graduation drinks and a dinner will be had upon completion of the course followed by presentation of your diploma.
no experience required
perfect for beginners
Accommodation
FUN, AFFORDABLE CENTRAL LONDON ACCOMMODATION
Many people choose to book the course with accommodation included, as it’s an ideal way of bonding with your fellow students and a lot more sociable. However if you would prefer to make your own arrangements you can just book the course on its own.
You will be staying at the Astor Museum Hostel in Bloomsbury, Central London for the duration of the course. The hostel is located in a very central and safe area which is only a ten-minute walk from the bars and clubs of Soho and Covent Garden. Just down the road are Oxford Street, Bond Street and Regent Street for those of you who love to shop. The bar where your course is held is only a 10-minute bus ride away.
The accommodation comprises of mixed rooms that sleep from 4 to 8 people in bunk beds with secure lockable storage in every room. The accommodation is clean and secure with breakfast included. Whenever possible we shall endeavour to ensure that all of your roommates are from your course.
The hostel can also accommodate you at very good rates after completion of the course if you need somewhere to stay temporarily whilst looking for an apartment to rent.
your new career is waiting for you
start it here now
Reviews
FOR THE VERY LATEST REVIEWS CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE HERE.
If you want to contact our former students or look at the latest pictures check out our Facebook Group here.
if you don’t look good
we don’t look good
Prices and Dates
THE BEST COURSE AT THE RIGHT PRICE
book your place now
with a deposit from only £350
international bartending diploma
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- Start: 27 Apr 2020 End: 21 May 2020
- Start: 15 Jun 2020 End: 9 Jul 2020
- Start: 3 Aug 2020 End: 27 Aug 2020
- Start: 28 Sep 2020 End: 22 Oct 2020
- Start: 26 Oct 2020 End: 19 Nov 2020
international bartending diploma + 28 nights hostel
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- Check-in: 26 Apr 2020 Check-out: 24 May 2020
- Check-in: 14 Jun 2020 Check-out: 12 Jul 2020
- Check-in: 2 Aug 2020 Check-out: 30 Aug 2020
- Check-in: 27 Sep 2020 Check-out: 25 Oct 2020
- Check-in: 25 Oct 2020 Check-out: 22 Nov 2020
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What’s included in the price?
• 4 weeks practical and theoretical tuition by an expert teacher with 16 years teaching and bartending experience, plus 2 assistant instructors
• An introduction to the art of working flair by one of Europe’s top flair experts
• An exclusive 85 page London Bar School reference manual to keep
• Three examinations in theory, cocktail making and free-pouring
• A graded International Bartending Diploma
• A graduation party night with dinner and cocktails
• All writing and study materials
• Job seeking assistance or placement – according to ability
• Optional: 28 nights Central London hostel accommodation in shared rooms with breakfast