Why learn bartending in London?
If you’re living in Ireland, your closest school is EBS London. Lucky you! You can expect no less than a fervent passion for cocktail crafting from a city that went through a period of history named The Gin Craze (it’s no joke!). With its long, rich mixology history and inimitable elegance, London is known worldwide as one of the best cocktail scenes on the planet. Contemporary bartenders continue to carry the torch, pushing the boundaries of flavour combinations and drinks presentation - as is proven by the fact that this thriving city currently hosts an impressive 2 out of the top 10 World’s Best Bars, including #2 Tayēr + Elementary and #8 Connaught Bar.
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The EBS London school
Our exclusive venue ensures that you get to spend far more hands-on hours behind the bar than at most other bartender schools in London - which mostly have to rent a nightclub or bar outside of open hours. The atmosphere and facilities at EBS London perfectly simulate a real bar, meaning that, upon graduating, you’ll feel 100% ready for the pressure of preparing drinks in front of a live audience. Our bartender school is close to Tower Bridge and just a five-minute walk from Bermondsey underground station.
A sneak peek of EBS London
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The Education Team
We are the only school in the UK that trains its own trainers, ensuring that each instructor attends the rigorous EBS Instructor Academy in order to keep teaching standards high and teaching methods cohesive. When you take any EBS course, you can be certain that you’re learning the most up-to-date industry practices and receiving the highest quality education on the market.
The courses were conceived and are continually updated by the best bartenders in the industry - take Tom Dyer, two-time flair World Champion. Not only did he co-found the reputed World Flair Association, but he also runs a successful YouTube channel and produces his own bar equipment that you can buy. Find out more about Tom here.
Fully equipped facilities
Inside our London school, you’ll find different areas dedicated to specific parts of the course. There’s the live bar, the practice and masterclass areas, and even a chill area where you can relax between classes. Take a look…
Training area
Memorise drink combos & speed up your serve
Live bar
Practise performing confidently with an audience
Study area
Revise recipes to ace your exams
Flair area
Jazz up your serves with some smooth tricks
Free Pour area
Test your intuition by pouring without measurements
Chill area
Kick back & chat with your coursemates
Accommodation
We’ll host you in St Christopher’s Inn, a two-minute walk from Greenwich Station (and the DLR train line) and a 30-minute commute to the school. This upmarket hostel is surrounded by many renowned British attractions: the Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, and O2 Arena, to name a few. It’s a peaceful, historic area dotted with cafes and shops - perfect for roaming during your free afternoons. Home to a large university, you can feel the thriving student culture. With West Greenwich library a 2-minute walk away, you're sure to get motivated to memorise those recipes and ace your exams!
After-hours activities
This cocktail bar with giant ball pits is host of the WFA flair competitions. Many prestigious flair artists have passed through Ballie's doors and performed their magical tricks! With the cushioning of hundreds of plastic balls, it's the perfect place for flair newbies to practise throwing.
London is gigantic and so is its bartending scene. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide and show you the best spots in town. We'll take you to brilliant bars such as London Cocktail Club, BE AT ONE, Nine Lives, and Hokus Pokus. Expect to witness some boss bartending and maybe even get a free drink. With EBS graduates working at many of these top bars, you're sure to get special treatment! Going out after class is not only great for your cocktail knowledge but also a fun way to get to know your coursemates and the city.
How many people can say they have made their own rum? Not many! But *you* will be able to after a masterclass at Laki Kane. Get ready to learn from world-leading rum ambassadors on how to flavour and redistill a bottle of rum using the spices and dried fruits of your choice.
We all know that learning recipes is crucial for a bartender so we've amped up the fun factor by organising an authentic British pub quiz. Walk around the corner after class to the St. James of Bermondsey pub and we'll test your knowledge on recipes, theory, and EBS trivia in the private function room.
Watch EBS London become a playful cocktail lounge for one night only. Choose a challenge: ping pong, giant jenga, or performing some sweet dance moves to impress your peers. Take this opportunity to get real-life experience behind the bar as a volunteer bartender or simply enjoy the games and drinks.
Your time to shine by creating an original cocktail with the knowledge you've picked up over the previous weeks. Sometimes we'll call in a guest judge so you get the chance to mix up a drink for one of London's well-known bartenders. Tested on aroma, taste, techniques, and presentation, (the drink, not you!), wow the crowd with a unique drink.
End the month in style with the graduation party. Celebrate your achievements and raise a toast to your future careers. Dinner’s on us!
Courses in London
International Bartender Course
This globally-recognised bartender course is famous for training high-quality bartenders through unique teaching techniques and unforgettable experiences.
Basic Bartender Course
Fast-track your way into the bartending industry with 1 week of hands-on training.
Flair Bartending Course
Created by world-champion flair bartenders to train your craft, working, and exhibition flair moves.
Working Flair Course
Gain style and confidence with craft flair moves you can actually use behind the bar.
Advanced Bartending Course
Designed to develop the knowledge and skills of experienced bartenders to an exceptional level. Strictly not for beginners.
Barista Course
Learn all the skills and techniques you need to become a professional barista in 5 days.
Mixology Course
Learn to create your own infusions, syrups, and craft cocktails using advanced techniques.
