We all know that getting a bartending job with no previous experience is pretty much impossible. For this reason, our talented education team have been hard at work developing an intensive Basic Bartender Course to equip you with the essential bartending skills to go out there and land entry level positions in bars, pubs, events and festivals straight away.

This practical course is the perfect option if you want to take your first steps in the competitive bartending business, get a taste of the industry, give your CV a boost or you simply want to learn the basics of bartending to impress your friends. Plus, you’ll enjoy a truly unique experience filled with fun events, new friends and lots of laughs along the way.

If you want to start working in cocktail bars, restaurants and high-end venues around the world as a cocktail bartender however, our globally-recognised International Bartender Course is the one for you. In four weeks, you’ll gain the equivalent of six months experience behind the bar so you’ll be able to step behind any bar and look like you’ve been doing it for years. Find out more about the International Bartender Course here.

Want to see if the basic bartender course is for you? Read on to find out more about the basic bartender course experience…

​​European Bartender School student graduate certificates

Get your foot in the door

Finding a job in the bartending industry is a catch-22 situation because you are unable get a job without any industry experience but you are unable to get any experience because you aren’t able to start working. This course will provide you with the fundamental bartending knowledge and practical experience to show employers that you will be able to work behind the busy bar with a level of confidence. You will obtain a basic bartending foundation that you can build on as you embark on your career.

Please bear in mind that this course doesn’t include access to EBS Matchstaff, our exclusive online job platform which connects students with top bars, restaurants and hotels around the world. Take our International Bartender Course if you want enjoy lifelong access to EBS Matchstaff and find the best bartending jobs.

Earn some money while studying

This course will give you the equivalent of two months experience working behind a bar in one week, so after the course, you’ll be able to start working in a variety of pubs and bars which serve basic cocktails. This is a great option if you want to earn some extra money working in a local bar while studying. Plus, as it’s only one week, it won’t take up too much time in your busy schedule.

Get a taste of the bartending industry

Gavin Wrigley teaching at European Bartender School

Want to see whether bartending is for you? Our Basic Bartender Course will give you a fantastic insight into the fast-past, fun-filled industry through hands-on training in an authentic bar environment so you can decide whether it’s a career path you want to pursue. Our highly-trained instructors, who all have plenty of experience in the industry, will share all their industry expertise with you.

Have a fun experience

Students learning at European Bartender School

At European Bartender School, we’re all about the experience. Sure, you’ll learn some fantastic new skills to add to your CV, but you’ll also have tonnes of fun while doing so. During class, you’ll be playing games, mixing drinks and working with your fellow classmates. You’ll end the week with a bang and celebrate your new-found skills at the final graduation party.

How the basic bartender course works:

​​European Bartender School class

During one jam-packed week, you’ll enjoy hands-on training behind our purpose-built bar stations. You’ll have five hours of instructor-led training per day with combination of theory sessions, workshops, drink tests and practical training. We’ll teach you as many as 18 classic cocktails including mojitos, whiskey sours, espresso martinis and plenty more. From how to set up the bar and basic pouring techniques to using equipment and making simple garnishes, we’ll teach you the basics to get you started behind the bar.

Please note that flair training is not included in this course. If you are interested in learning the art of flair bartending and want a more comprehensive programme, our International Bartender Course is your best bet.