European bartending schools have courses of varying durations: one week, two weeks and four weeks.
While a four weeks course is ideal for someone interested in making bartending his profession, the shorter courses teach the basics of the trade and are ideal for those interested in home bartending.
- One week course: In this format the knowledge imparted is basically that of cocktail making. About 30 classic cocktail recipes are taught as is the art of free pouring. Along with that is in-depth information about whiskey. A relatively cheaper course, this one week intensive training also gears an individual for a job at any standard pub or bar.
- Two week course: A more serious bartender should opt for the more in-depth two weeks course. Apart from the basics of bartending the incumbents are also taught more than 70 classic cocktails. Spirit knowledge includes all popular spirits like rum, gin, vodka, tequila and brandy besides the varieties of scotch and whiskey. Free pouring from multiple bottles and honing one’s skills by practicing additional hours makes this format more attractive.
- Four weeks course: This course is designed exclusively for those who wish to join or are already a part of the hospitality industry. The course includes comprehensive details of bar set up, bar equipment, bar glasses; detailed mixology and free pouring techniques; in-depth knowledge of all liquors, spirits and mixers; recipes of contemporary and classic cocktails and international level of customer service workshops. The students graduate with a thorough knowledge of bar management and can get jobs at high end hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, bars, cruise ships anywhere in the world. Some four week courses also include flair bartending, role-playing scenarios like multiple drinks serving in a high pressure atmosphere and give numerous tips on how to handle real-life situations. Normally institutes conducting the four week course offer job opportunities to its graduates directly at hotels, bars and restaurants or through a reliable placement agency.
Courses at European bar schools are not just for education but for a lot of fun as well. While the students leave the institute knowledgeable, full of self confidence and in all probability with a great job what they gain too is lots of friends that they make during those four weeks. They also learn to smile no matter what the situation, keep their calm no matter how stressful it may be and have a lot of fun on the job.
Most top notch European bartending schools have well experienced trainers and all the latest gadgets that are required to teach. Some of them also teach the trending techniques of molecular mixology. They provide opportunities for students to practice repeatedly till they perfect the art. They also use actual spirits instead of coloured water so that the students get to know exactly what each cocktail should taste like.
So on your search for the best European bartending school remember to check out all the facilities available and the faculty that will be responsible for your education. If bartending is your passion go ahead, enroll at a premier course and have a whole lot of fun while readying yourself for one of the most happening careers today.
Among the European bartending schools, choose The Spirit Lab in London.