Opening our Fitzrovia Coffeebar, complete with our own quality control and training lab, means that we finally have the perfect environment to host this 2.5 hour masterclass, Our Espresso Technique.

During each class, four inquisitive espresso lovers will have the opportunity to engage in a hands-on way with the equipment and ingredients necessary to produce world class espresso. Initially we will introduce coffee as an ingredient, briefly examine the history of espresso as a unique way of preparing coffee, familiarise ourselves with the equipment, and then spend time learning and mastering the technique.

To do this, we'll be developing a recipe and pulling shots on the latest in professional espresso technology; the La Marzocco Linea PB, paired with the Mazzer Robur E grinder.

Throughout the session, we'll attempt to to dispel a few myths and break down some barriers surrounding the seemingly elusive beverage. A lot of time will be dedicated to tasting espresso, learning how to troubleshoot and amend your recipe or technique to improve the flavours in the cup.

At the centre of the class, however, is an induction into the basics of how we prepare espresso across our four Workshop Coffee Co. stores, constituting the initial building block of around 10,000 drinks served each week.

Attendees go home with a thorough espresso education, a 350g bag of Workshop Coffee Co. espresso coffee and the brewing instruction/troubleshooting booklet 'Our Espresso Technique'.

If you are someone who thoroughly enjoys drinking espresso, and would relish the chance to turn your hand to preparing and brewing coffee on professional equipment and expand your understanding of the drink, then this is the Masterclass for you. 

If you have any enquiries about this Masterclass, please contact James at james.bailey@workshopcoffee.com

NB: This class is hosted at our Fitzrovia Coffeebar; 80 Mortimer Street, W1.

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James Bailey is our Head of Quality, and as such is responsible for developing and maintaining roasted coffee, drink quality, customer service and staff training standards across all our retail locations.

In 2012, he placed 2nd in the UK Barista Championships, taking home the triumvirate of 'Best Espresso', 'Best Signature Drink' and 'Best Newcomer' accolades. In the same year, James won the UK Brewers Cup Championship, going on to place 5th in the world title.

Alongside holding a Q-Grader accreditation, he was one of three judges in the 2014 UK Aeropress Championships.  He loves coffee, and he loves to teach.

Sam Brown began at Workshop Coffee as a Bar Back, and aided by dedicated training sessions, his skill and hard work soon saw him progress to Barista in our Clerkenwell store.

Since the opening of our Holborn Coffeebar, Sam has worked up to the level of Supervisor, thanks to a fantastic attitude and rapport with colleagues, and his uncompromising standards of service and drinks quality.

He continues to develop his palate and coffee knowledge at dedicated staff cupping sessions, and is constantly refining his espresso technique whilst working at Holborn and guesting at external events such as the La Marzocco stand at The London Coffee Festival.