Develop the speed, confidence and operational efficiency required to perform at a professional level behind the bar, through an intensive individual bartending experience in Manchester city centre. This is not a beginner course and not a group class. It is an advanced, hands-on bar experience designed for bartenders who already know how to prepare all classic cocktails and want to train in real service conditions. The experience takes place one bartender at a time, allowing you to work independently behind the bar, just like in a real job, while being supervised and guided by experienced professionals. This format is ideal if you want to: Increase your speed and consistency Gain confidence managing multiple drink orders at once Improve service flow, cleanliness and bar organisation Work faster using KDS and live ticket systems Handle cocktails, wine, coffee, soft drinks and parallel orders efficiently The focus is on repetition, multitasking and service rhythm, not on learning recipes. Training can be scheduled any week of your choice, subject to availability, and always starts on a Wednesday, to ensure exposure during the bar’s busiest service periods. Typical weekly schedule This experience always starts on a Wednesday and is delivered over two consecutive weeks. Each week follows the same structure, scheduled during the bar’s busiest service times to maximise real-world practice. Week 1 & Week 2 Wednesday: 17:00–21:00 (4 hours) Thursday: 17:00–21:00 (4 hours) Friday: 18:00–22:00 (4 hours) Saturday: 14:00–22:00 (8 hours) Total training time: 40 hours over two consecutive weeks. This structure is designed for experienced bartenders who want extended time behind the bar to improve speed, multitasking, service flow, cleanliness and operational efficiency under real service pressure. Key requirements Participants must already: Be confident preparing all classic cocktails Have previous bartending experience Be comfortable working independently behind the bar Understand basic bar setup, service standards and workflow This experience is designed to refine performance, not to teach fundamentals from scratch. Highlights Training takes place inside a real working cocktail bar, not a simulated environment Gain the equivalent of 6 months of real bar experience through extended hands-on practice Refine and execute 40+ classic cocktails with speed, consistency and confidence Improve service flow, multitasking and efficiency during live bar service Develop professional habits including bar organisation, cleanliness and service readiness Work using real ordering systems (KDS) and manage multiple drink orders simultaneously Learn to operate independently behind the bar, under professional supervision Be awarded a Dirextra Advanced Bartender Certificate at the end of the experience This is not a beginner course Designed for bartenders with previous experience (minimum 1 year recommended) Participants are expected to work behind the bar as part of a real service team, not observe Instructors provide guidance and feedback, but are not constantly by your side This experience reflects real working conditions, including pace, responsibility and standards Why is this experience for you? This Advanced Bartending Experience is designed for experienced bartenders who want to move beyond recipes and focus on speed, consistency and professional execution in a real bar environment. This experience is right for you if you want to: Add advanced, practical skills to your CV Work in a real working cocktail bar, not a simulated setting Improve speed, multitasking and service flow under pressure Gain confidence handling multiple orders at the same time Refine bar organisation, cleanliness and operational standards Progress towards a senior bartender or bar supervisor role Rather than teaching basics, this experience focuses on repetition, efficiency and performance, helping you operate at a professional level behind the bar. Course Programme Advanced practical training includes: You will work on advanced preparation techniques commonly used in professional cocktail bars, learning how to prepare and use: Syrups Cordials Foams Bitters Fat washes Shrubs Garnishes You will also refine advanced bartending techniques, including: Double shaking Rolling Double stirring By the end of the experience, you will be able to execute 40+ classic cocktails with speed, consistency and confidence, while understanding flavour balance and ingredient pairing — essential skills for developing your own signature drinks. Ice, structure & execution You will study ice as a core structural element of a drink, learning: The correct quantity and purpose of ice How ice affects dilution, balance and texture How different ice shapes and formats impact drink performance Real service practice Training takes place continuously during live bar service across the two-week experience. You will: Work behind the bar serving real customers Handle high-volume service periods Practise speed, organisation and cleanliness in real time Use KDS and live ticket systems Develop confidence operating independently behind the bar This experience reflects Real working conditions and is designed to prepare you for advanced bartending responsibilities, not classroom scenarios. Course Venue Sicilian NQ, award winning "Best Neighbourhood Bar 2023 - Central Manchester", it's a charming mediterranean style wine bar, relaxed and characterful venue nestled in Manchester’s trendy Northern Quarter, right in the heart of the city center. Northern Quarter is a cool neighbourhood, with lively street art, bohemian bars and independent shops. It's home to lively restaurants and some of the city's biggest music venues, featuring concerts from trendy independent bands and famous artists.
