Scottish Barista Academy

I completed a course with Scottish Barista Academy in order to open my own coffee shop. I found this course to be extremely helpful and the trainer, Jim, to be so knowledgable about the subject. I had no idea there was so much to learn about before opening a shop and Jim was certainly able to increase my knowledge. I have now been running the shop for 6 years and Jim is still a great support of mine when I require advice or help with machinery. I could not recommend this course enough and I am sure anyone who opts to partake in the course would find this beneficial and worthwhile!
Mar 16th, 2021

Positive: Communication, Quality
Nov 1st, 2020

Oct 11th, 2020

A while ago, I got the decision to become an AST, and I chose Scottish Barista Academy to do my courses. BEST CHOICE! Mr Jim is a wonderful person , professional, and helps you throughout the courses! Always there for you, answering all the questions you may have, and making sure you learning and having fun at the same time ! To this day, I'm learning every day something new, and I'm looking forward to our next courses... Thank you Jim.
Oct 2nd, 2020

I booked onto the foundation course on Thursday 20th January. After several chats to Jim on the phone, I explained what I was hoping to learn and felt excited and enthusiastic to attend. On arrival it seemed fine, Jim was chatty, made me a coffee and we waited for other 2 people to arrive. The course started with a video. Quite interesting about history of coffee. There were 2 books between us I said I would wait to receive one at a later date. We were taken to sniff 3 cups of coffee ! And shown some beans in large tubs! Then we made some espresso coffees! All a bit too strong for my taste and other women felt the same! It was a cold wet day and we were informed we were all going over to Gregg's for lunch on Jim! Off we went getting wet and cold for a sandwich! After lunch we were told we were to practice making frothy milk! Except we were to use water and fairy liquid! Strange but true! Having paid 600 between us excluding exam fee is using milk such a hardship? I have complained to Jim and he offered to refund me but has since decided what I received on course was justified and no one else has complained. Maybe so but I feel I'm not alone I just don't think this is the best course or value for money and I'm not afraid to say it. I learnt very little and saying I don't like coffee is untrue. I didn't like the coffees on the day I drink coffee when I'm out and a lot when on holiday I just hoped to find something similar to recreate but was left disappointed and ripped off. Please be sure you know what you will get out of doing this course before you pay that's my only advice.shop around!
Feb 7th, 2020