We empower hospitality professionals with the knowledge and skills to excel at what they do best. Revel Collective (formerly Revolution Bars Group), a leading UK bar operator known for its vibrant venues and creative cocktails, shares this ethos.
Looking to elevate its team’s spirits expertise and boost sales, they signed them up to take our WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits course.
Our Level 2 Award in Spirits course provides an in-depth understanding of spirits, covering production methods, styles, and a systematic approach to tasting.
With over 90 venues across the UK and a team of more than 3,000, Revel Collective invested in its head bartenders and bar managers to enhance their expertise and understanding of spirits. We spoke to some of the participants to learn how the training has influenced them in their roles.
What were the overall results of the WSET training?
- Boosted premium spirits sales: Venues with WSET-trained staff achieved a 4.1% rise in upselling, compared to 1.8% at non-trained sites.
- Built top-performing teams: 8 out of the top 10 Revel Collective venues for upselling had at least one WSET-trained team member.
- Improved internal training: Armed with WSET knowledge, managers created consistent training standards through a blend of online and in-person sessions.
- Elevated customer experiences: WSET-trained bartenders confidently highlighted the quality and story behind the spirits, helping customers make more informed choices.
We spoke to team members to find out more about their course experience and how WSET training has influenced their careers and daily work. Here’s what they had to say:
How did you find our course?
Joe, Bar Manager, shared, "The Systematic Approach to Tasting taught by WSET has transformed how we run our spirit training sessions, with great feedback from our team and customers alike."
Ted, Head Cantinero at Revolución de Cuba, added, "Since taking the WSET course, I have felt more confident during masterclasses, explaining the different rums we use and upselling premium spirits based on customer preferences."
Ollie, Learning & Development Advisor, noted, "WSET training has allowed us to expand the knowledge of our head bartenders, who now confidently train their teams to upsell premium spirits, specifically focusing on high-quality spirits beyond the usual offerings."
What was most useful about the course?
Ollie explained, "It has expanded my knowledge and understanding of spirit types and production information, which I can then use in future training sessions and online training content."
Joe agreed, "Seeing how well the format of systematic tasting works for teaching people about spirits and applying it to my own sessions."
Ted added, "The most useful aspect of the course was being taught how different spirits are produced, it’s given me a deeper understanding of the rums and other spirits we sell."
Do you think the training will help with your career?
Ollie confidently stated, "It has definitely added a skill set to the CV. Benefits will include showcasing that I can offer any future business spirit training and information." Joe agreed, "Massively, most other bar manager jobs in the city require WSET Level 2 as a minimum requirement." Ted recommended, "I’d recommend the course to anyone interested in bartending, spirits and cocktails. We would do well to have more of our bartenders taking the course."
Training that gets results
Could your team benefit from WSET training? Whether you’re in hospitality, retail, or any other sector of the drinks industry, WSET qualifications can provide valuable knowledge and skills that your team needs to succeed.
Contact us to learn how WSET training can help your business achieve its goals.
