Loudfire launches its Bar Academy - a South African first

The launch was announced today, while the skills of Academy graduates were showcased last week Thursday at a street party in Maude Street in Sandton, linked to the Meetings Africa expo and hosted by Loudfire and its associates.

The Academy is an industry first and aims to ignite talent and to propel the bar and beverage industry to a whole new level of service and delivery.

Explains Bruce van Halderen, Director of Loudfire: "The Loudfire Bar Academy was born of the real and pressing need in the hospitality industry for skilled bartenders who are able to deliver a superior level of service. In our 10 years in this industry we have always been very focused on skills development and training, so progressing to the delivery of formalised training for our own staff as well outside students was the next logical move."

Van Halderen says Loudfire expects its biggest intake of learners to come from the youth market, particularly students who wish to learn a skill that can help them earn extra money while studying, as well as present them with international job opportunities. The Academy will also target individuals who already work in the trade, either part- or full-time, at bars, pubs, restaurants, hotels and the like, and who wish to improve their skill set and further their career prospects with formal training.

The Loudfire Bar Academy operates from its custom built facility at Loudfire's new Johannesburg offices and warehouse located in Kramerville, Sandton. The facility includes four mobile bar training units that replicate a typical bar layout and a lecture room that seats up to 20 individuals.

The course theory is covered in six modules and subjects range from appearance and personal hygiene to tools of the trade, guest service, glassware, bar setup, the origins and composition of different alcoholic beverages, and more. Thereafter, the practical aspect of the training is covered in two modules which broadly speaking, encompass pouring and that pinnacle of bartending, mixology - the art of mixing and making the perfect cocktail and drinks.

A taxing written examination and an even tougher practical examination will determine whether students become Loudfire certified bartenders or not. Graduates will all receive certificates and automatic entry into the exclusive "X" club for Academy graduates.

The Loudfire Bar Academy is run by Zander Grobler, who has a wealth of experience in bartending and also ran his own outsource bar business for some years, before joining the company. The Academy is his brainchild.

Enquiries regarding the Loudfire Bar Academy should be addressed to Zander Grobler, who can be reached at 011 262-2082 or via email at