Bar Courses... - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**Ozpacka** · 03-28-2004, 02:19 PM

Guys...

I am faced with a small dilemma...

Every now and then, our local collage here offers accredited bar courses which run over the course of three nights. Now, this is something ive always had an interest in, and i have just seen in the paper that they are starting another course next wednesday night, which is perfect for me.

Only problem is that its $295 for the three nights.

I guess my question is, will it be more beneficial for me trying to find work (in pubs) in the uk if i have had this training, or would it be better just to rock up to a pub during the day (when it is quiet) and see if the publican can show you a few tricks, and then maybe offer your services to that pub for free for a night or two...

What you all rekon?
Leeroy

**MolsonGirl** · 03-28-2004, 04:07 PM

I'm trying for the "going on my looks" method in England.. I don't have the time nor the money to take the course here... and figure they're not as stingy over there so I can probably get work. Then when I come back here I'll have references and will have skipped the whole process.

**ED Larry** · 03-28-2004, 05:50 PM

it wouldn't hurt, but that is alot of money... i say screw it and spend the money on something else.

**Ozpacka** · 03-29-2004, 12:13 AM

Cheers guys...

im going to tee up with a mate who works at the local saloon bar to put a days work in to learn how to pull a beer, mix some drinks and what not...

Screw spending 300 bucks...

thats almost 10 nights accomodation in europe... (and the rest) :greenguy:

**space virgin** · 03-29-2004, 09:59 AM

I have some experience with this. Most-- not all, but most-- of those bartending courses are a total rip. You can learn almost as much by buying your own bartender's guide and practicing yourself, and if you have a bartender friend who can show you exactly how to mix everything, you're totally set. I'm a catering manager and I also bartend a lot, and I've never taken those courses. Honestly, you're looking at about 10 drinks that you'll be making over and over again, most of which are pretty damn easy-- gin/vodka & tonic, rum/coke, whiskey/soda, lemon drops, cosmos, kazi's, sex on the beach, bloody mary's, margaritas, buttery/slippery nipples and the occasional b-52. If you have those figured out you can do pretty much anything. And beer & wine is totally easy, you won't need much help with that unless you need to have specific wine knowledge.

I say go for it!!

phlipfudge23 · 03-29-2004, 01:38 PM

I've actually heard that alot of bars prefer to get new bartenders with NO experience, since they won't have to relearn how to make any of the drinks that have a slight tweak.

**ashpunk** · 04-01-2004, 02:14 PM

Hey Molson I'm in the works with getting a club promoter job in london... if I get it I'm sure I could hook you up with a bar job!

Posie · 04-04-2004, 08:30 AM

Hey Ozpacker...!

I was having lunch yesterday in a bar called the Walkabout and it suddenly struck me that I should tell you ozzies about it - dunno if you know already.

Walkabouts are a chain of aussie themed bars all round the UK, and they actively encourage aussie travellers to come and work for them - and I think that you can get transferred all over the place to different towns that have Walkabouts - plus I bet they know what they're doing with work permits and stuffs.

Anyway, just thought you might like to know! B)

xx

**urOZm8** · 04-06-2004, 09:16 AM

ozpacka my man, if your thinking work in london/UK I doubt youll need it.
There is a poster in every second shop front wanting workers. Its more like hmmm now where would I LIKE to work !

**Ozpacka** · 04-07-2004, 02:21 AM

exxxxcellent...

I will have a bank account set up, but might just see what *cashies* i can get to start of with...

Thats truely inspiring though ozmate. even if i end up flipping burgers for 35c an hour, at least im in london flipping burgers.

Are you going to be holed up some place in london, or whats your plans for the months following your european trek...

**urOZm8** · 04-08-2004, 04:15 AM

I had my first walkabout experience in Exeter on the weekend. It was quite happening. Nobody worries about asking for ID over here thats for sure.

Ozpacka Im thinking that I will back in London working about October (after beerfest

) Provided I dont blow the budget and can last til that time! Id like to work and party in london and then work/take is easy out in the countryside. who knows. thats the good thing - you never know where your gonna end up whilst travellin