Weekend bartending courses in hired bars

School leavers, students, career changers and people wanting a first bar job. Some pay for a group or birthday experience.

A fee per student for each course, usually with small groups. Extra income can come from private group sessions and corporate team events.

• Real bar experience and solid cocktail knowledge
• Confident teaching and demonstrating
• Organising venues, kit and bookings
• Marketing to local people

• Public liability insurance, and check whether the venue's policy covers your classes
• Check with your local council and the venue about alcohol licensing if students will handle or taste real alcohol, many courses use alternatives
• Do not promise jobs or imply a recognised qualification you cannot show, be clear about what your certificate is
• Check whether you'd need an approved centre to offer any formal licensing qualifications
• Demand can be seasonal, so plan for quieter months

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £4,000, depending on equipment, venue hire, insurance and marketing. Because you hire a pub or bar by the day, you do not need your own premises.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £2,500, depending on class sizes, course prices and how often you run sessions. The estimate assumes from about 8 hours a week. Demand can be seasonal.

Check public liability insurance and whether the venue's policy covers your classes. Check alcohol licensing with your council and the venue if students will handle real alcohol, and whether you need an approved centre for formal qualifications. Don't imply a recognised qualification.