TEA BARISTA TRAINING
European Specialty Tea Association (ESTA) Training
We are proud to be one of the first Authorised Tea Certifiers in the UK. In 2023, Esther earned second place in the UK Tea Tasting competition run by the European Specialty Tea Association (ESTA), demonstrating her expertise and dedication to the art of tea.
Tea is a historic and iconic drink in British culture and a global staple for thousands of years. Just like coffee, it’s essential that we brew tea correctly and understand its nuances to fully appreciate its quality and flavors.
We offer the following courses designed to deepen your knowledge and skills in the world of specialty tea:
Introduction to Tea
This course serves as a standalone Introduction to Tea and provides the foundational knowledge needed to progress into more advanced modules at the Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.
Introduction to Tea is perfect for those who are new to the tea industry or anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this incredible beverage. Whether you’re a newcomer to specialty tea, working in a café, a tea house, a barista, a tea enthusiast, or starting a new tea business, this course is designed for you.
Course Overview:
The course is a balanced mix of theory and practical activities, giving students the chance to learn and practice new skills in every session. Students will receive tea and herbal samples to conduct hands-on activities. Introduction to Tea can be completed either online or in a classroom setting.
Course Content Includes:
What is Tea? – Understand the essence and history of tea.
Camellia Sinensis – Learn about the plant at the heart of all true teas.
Botanicals – Explore various botanicals and their role in tea blends.
Introduction to Sensory – Begin developing your sensory skills for tea tasting.
Importance of Temperature and Water – Understand the impact of water quality and temperature on tea brewing.
The Art of Brewing – Master the techniques that bring out the best in every cup of tea.
Tea is More Than a Beverage – Appreciate tea’s cultural significance and its role in various traditions.
Introduction to Tea for Hospitality
This course offers an Introduction to Tea with a specialized focus on the hospitality industry. While basic tea knowledge is covered, it goes deeper into serving tea in a hospitality environment, addressing the unique standards and challenges faced in cafes, restaurants, and hotels.
Introduction to Tea for Hospitality is ideal for new staff members in cafés, restaurants, hotels, or any hospitality business who need a solid understanding of tea basics while learning best practices for delivering exceptional tea experiences to customers.
Course Overview:
Designed to combine both theory and practical activities, this course allows students to learn and practice new skills in every session. Students will receive tea and herbal samples for hands-on learning. The course can be completed online or in a classroom setting.
Course Content Includes:
Camellia Sinensis – Learn about the foundation of all true teas.
Botanicals – Understand the role of botanicals in tea blends.
Importance of Water – Explore the significance of water quality for optimal tea brewing.
Brewing Tea – Master the key techniques to brew perfect tea every time.
Tea Serving Standards – Learn the proper protocols for serving tea in a hospitality setting.
Art of Recommending Tea – Discover how to confidently recommend the perfect tea for customers.
Tea-Food Pairing – Understand how to pair teas with food to enhance the dining experience.
Tea Barista: Foundation/Intermediate/Advanced
Currently, the Foundation programme is the only one launched, while ESTA continues to develop the curriculum for Intermediate and Advanced levels.
The Tea Barista Foundation course provides essential knowledge for baristas or café owners working in a tea-focused environment at a foundation level. It's perfect for anyone with a professional interest in tea, from beginners to those seeking to expand their expertise in brewing and serving this unique beverage.
This course focuses mainly on practical skills, including brewing, tasting tea, and understanding basic tea knowledge. It will also cover important aspects such as hygiene, workflow behind the bar, customer service skills, and menu building.
The Tea Barista Foundation course can be completed online or in a classroom setting.
Course Overview:
To achieve the Tea Barista Foundation certificate, students must pass an online written exam and receive a positive skills report from the Authorised Tea Certifier teaching the course.
Course Content Includes:
Tea vs Coffee – Understand the key differences between tea and coffee, and their unique characteristics.
Tea, Botanicals, and Blends – Learn about different types of tea and the role of botanicals and blends in tea production.
Storage Understanding – Gain knowledge on proper storage techniques to maintain tea quality.
Hygiene & Workspace Management – Master cleanliness and organization behind the bar for a safe and efficient work environment.
Importance of Water – Learn how water quality influences the flavor of tea.
Tea Brewing Fundamentals & Methods – Discover the fundamental techniques for brewing tea, including methods for different types of tea.
Tea Tasting Tools – Get hands-on experience with tools used to evaluate and taste tea.
Café Management & Customer Service – Learn best practices for managing a tea service in a café and delivering excellent customer service.
Common Brewing Tools – Familiarize yourself with the most commonly used tools for brewing tea.
Popular Tea Menu Extensions – Explore how to diversify and expand your tea menu with popular tea-based beverages.
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