The concept of The Bar Academy is a simple one. In essence, The Bar Academy is split up into different parts, namely; the training academy which offers off-site as well as on-site training relating to all aspects of the bar industry; team building which is available on-site or off-site and molecular mixology the newest and most exciting trend in bartending.

The concept of The Bar Academy is a simple one. In essence, The Bar Academy is split up into different parts, namely; the training academy which offers off-site as well as on-site training relating to all aspects of the bar industry; team building which is available on site or off site, molecular mixology and more.

Market research has shown a dramatic decline in the standard of bar staff and their service in the bartending industry. The Bar Academy has identified a lack of customer service, spirit knowledge, up-selling and an overall stagnation as major problems in the bar environment. The bar industry in South Africa is in dire need of change and an earlier indication of positive trends has not been realised. New concepts have not filtered through to the bars and clubs. Venue owners have been lulled into complacency in contrast with the international market, where bartending has progressed into an industry in itself.

The Bar Academy uses information from these types of surveys to build training programs developed specifically to set a standard in your bar and consistently develop your bar staff teaching them new concepts, informing them of new revelations and helping them achieve their goals as well as those of the organisation.

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.

-- William Arthur Ward

Our Team

The Bar Academy is made up of dynamic individuals drawing talents and experience from around the globe. Each member of the team evokes sophistication, driven characteristics and a familiarity with the bar environment only possible through years of experience. The Bar Academy's leading drink professionals offer insight into your requirements while evolving the industry.

Mixologist

• Brandon Grusd
  
  Director / Founder
  
  Brandon discovered bartending on a year he spent in London. He cycled through a variety of venues from high society bars to high-paced clubs and pubs throughout South Africa and the United Kingdom.
  
  In 2007, Brandon in conjunction with Matthew developed The Bar Academy.
  
  In 2009, Brandon completed an honours degree in industrial psychology, allowing him to focus on the development of individuals.
  
  If you're looking for him you'll usually find him critiquing his mixology in and around the bars of Joburg.

The term training refers to the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and competencies as a result of the teaching of vocational or practical skills and knowledge that relate to specific useful competencies. We see training as a fun way to learn skills and abilities that ensure you reach targets and goals.

I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.

-- Albert Einstein

On-Site Training

This course is designed for those venue owners who wish to train their staff at their premises. Here a specific course outline can be developed to ensure maximum quality staff members.

Aspects of this course include; ergonomics- allowing staff members to use their areas correctly and efficiently; speed- trained staff members will serve faster, look better and as a result bring in more money as well as tips for themselves; product knowledge- with the correct knowledge staff members will be able to advise customers on their orders as well as having the ability to hold conversations during day shifts; etc. These theoretical aspects, among others are coupled with practical training to ensure that your staff members are trained to the highest level.

Not only does The Bar Academy focus on bartenders but all staff in the bar environment can be catered for including bar backs, bar supervisors and bar managers.

Maintenance and Development

For those venue owners looking to develop their staff, The Bar Academy offers maintenance and development programs where bar staff are exposed to new trends in the bar industry, while being set a standard. Bar personnel are taught new concepts and revelations in the bar environment including molecular mixology and inductive flairing. Bar staff are enrolled in a learning program with skilled mentors and facilitators who will expose them to the inns and outs of the industry by relaying their experiential knowledge. Venues will be able to track the progress of their staff through employee development forms provided monthly.

Please note that all courses can be customized to suit the needs of all our clients.

        Download Training Programme...

Off-Site Training

Bartending 101 is a course designed to teach beginners through to intermediaries the inns and outs of the bar industry. The course includes tours to the infamous SA Breweries World of Beer, a Pub Crawl as well as flairing, wine, whiskey and mixology to name a few of the modules.

The length of a training course is five days and runs for about 4 hours a day. The course theory is covered in six modules and subjects range from appearance and personal hygiene to tools of the trade, customer service, glassware, bar setup, the origins and composition of different alcoholic beverages and more.

Thereafter, the practical aspect of the training is covered in three modules which broadly speaking encompasses pouring, flaring and that pinnacle of bartending, mixology - the art of mixing and making the perfect cocktail and drinks in a timeous manner. On completion of the course a written examination and a stringent practical examination will determine whether students become 'B.A.' certified bartenders or not.

Graduates will receive certificates, as well as a gift package and a manual of the course, which we believe are the quintessential instruments in starting their venture into the bar and nightlife profession.

The Bar Academy and Behind Bars have teamed up to bring you a unique team building experience, designed to bring out the creativity you wish your staff had during work hours.

Our facilitators will identify characteristic traits before and after the social lubricant. They have been trained in industrial psychological principals which allow you the client to identify those members in your team with specified characteristics catered to the individual corporate requirements.

I would like to thank you on behalf of all the WPO and YPO ladies that were privileged to be at Party Design last Tuesday.

We got 9.7 ratings for the morning which was really fantastic. I know that everyone really loved your demonstration and found it informative, enlightening and enjoyed the treats you gave us.

-- Isarae Seeff / WPO Spouse Co coordinator

        MixologySA Website...

Team Building Breakdown

• Phase 1
  
  30 Minutes
  
  Guests will arrive at a decided venue and be ushered into a seated environment in front of a bar unit (one of Venue's bar's / Behind Bars mobile bar). The bar will be set up with all cocktail bar equipment and glasses.
  
  A Trainer / Chief Mixologist will start a basic "Mixology" training, this will entail:
  
  • Teaching how to free pour with a speed pourer – a few guests will get a chance to try this.
  • Explaining basic cocktail bartender and Mixology concepts.
  • Showing how to make 1 x Built cocktail, 1 x Shaken Cocktail & 1 x Muddled Cocktail –   Depending on the number of teams, each team leader will get a chance to make one of the   above cocktails.
  • Flavour complements will be discussed.
  • Perishable and cocktail garnishes will be explained as well as glass usage.
  
  After the above training, the guest teams will be sent to another room or area.

• Phase 2
  
  30 Minutes
  
  In this room or area there will be an Ingredients buffet set out on trestle tables and a number of Cocktail working stations set out for each team. The working stations will be set up as full working Cocktail bar's with a variety of spirits for them to choose from to work with.
  
  The Teams will each get a chance to select ingredients from the ingredients buffet.
  
  There will be 1 Mixologist to every 2 teams to assist and guide them. (This is size dependent, can do 1 to 1 or 1 to 3.
  
  They will then be given 20 minutes to prepare a cocktail using the method shown to them in the training. The Mixologists will be around to advise and assist the teams.

• Phase 3
  
  20 Minutes
  
  All teams will move back into the original venue.
  
  Each team will go up to the bar with all ingredients for their selected cocktail and prepare the cocktail they have created.
  
  The Mixologists will taste each cocktail and Judge according to a Mixology marking & rating form.
  
  The Trainer / Chief Mixologist will give the teams the results.

• Phase 4
  
  Finale
  
  Guests will be ushered into another venue area (optional) where a Bar can be set-up.
  
  Flair bartenders will be flaring and preparing cocktails for members.
  
  The members will have an opportunity to mingle and discuss the exciting events of the evening.

Click on the images below to view the various different publications that The Bar Academy and our Molecular Mixology have been featured in!

Please keep checking back to see more information about some of our most valued clients!