Fast-track your way into the bartending industry with 1 week of fun, hands-on training in a small group, led by our highly-experienced instructors inside a real working bar in Manchester City Centre. This is a group course with limited places, designed to give you maximum practical time behind the bar while learning alongside other students. 🗓 Course Dates & Times Wed 12th Aug: 17:00–21:00 (4 hours) Thursday 13th Aug: 17:00–21:00 (4 hours) Friday 14th Aug: 18:00–22:00 (4 hours) Saturday 15th Aug: 14:00–22:00 (8 hours) 📍 Dirextra Wine & Cocktails School at Sicilian NQ Bar & Restaurant14 Turner Street, Manchester, M4 1DZ Highlights 90% practical, hands-on training — no classroom-style lessons Small group training in a real cocktail bar Learn alongside other students, with constant instructor support Gain the equivalent of 3 months of bar experience By the end of the course, you’ll be able to make 20+ classic cocktails with confidence and consistency Be awarded a Dirextra certificate at the end of the course Start working as soon as you finish the course Earn extra cash while studying or working Experience the fast-paced bartending industry and see if it’s right for you Start in an entry-level bartending role and work your way up Course Programme You’ll learn: Set up a professional bar Use basic pour techniques Prepare simple garnishes Deliver smooth, confident service Keep a bar organised, clean and service-ready, following real industry standards Use a KDS (Kitchen Display System) and handle orders efficiently, understanding how tickets flow between bar and kitchen Work faster and more efficiently behind the bar, not only on cocktails but also on wine service, coffee, soft drinks and everyday bar orders By the end of the course, you’ll be able to make 20+ classic cocktails with confidence and consistency, including Bramble, Whiskey Sour, Espresso Martini and Old Fashioned, using fresh ingredients Master essential bartending techniques such as muddling, churning, shaking and stirring Layer shots, blend cocktails, pour accurately and use a jigger correctly Become confident with key bar tools and basic equipment Understand the fundamentals of spirits and their origins — covering vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey and brandy — plus an introduction to beer and wine Train behind the bar for the full duration of the course, preparing and serving drinks to real customers in a fast-paced working environment 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.
