About Brandywine

Brandywine is the go-to local bar school for professional training, popular corporate team-building and a versatile private venue. We offer public and private classes for beginners, novices and experts who want to improve their core bartending skills. Instructors teach about spirits, wine, and drink-making using real ingredients at a working bar.

Founded in 2011 by hospitality expert brothers Dave and Geoff Mott, Brandywine’s commitment to hands-on education, professional development, personalized service and cocktail creation tips in a welcoming inclusive space, they revolutionized bartending training and set the standard for excellence in the trade school industry. By prioritizing technique and skill mastery over simple cocktail recipe memorization, Brandywine develops a clear understanding of craft, enabling creativity and adaptability. The founders assists their graduates in securing employment by connecting them with paid private gigs, hire them for in-house events and leverage local connections within the Vancouver cocktail, bar and restaurant scene.

Sharing our deep understanding of cocktail creation, we simplify the process while we entertain and host the public to provide high level, unforgettable and engaging learning experiences.

Master the Modern Cocktail.

OUR MISION

Create a complete understanding of the craft cocktail and its history.
Provide customized experiences tailored to the unique needs of our guests and students.
Equip students to confidently tend the bar through comprehensive hands-on training.
Help graduates grow and become the top bartending job candidates.

Brandywine Bartenders

DAVE MOTT

Owner and Head Bartender

Dave Mott has over 25 years experience as a professional bartender and server; working as a lead cocktail competitor, fine dining waiter, pub manager, barman, buffet and catering event producer, nightclub owner, and wine and cocktail menu consultant in The Lower mainland, Vancouver Island and Whistler, BC.

David is a designated trainer and head bartender. In addition to his long career in hospitality training he is also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Victoria. Dave is Co-Artistic Producer of Upintheair Theatre Society - www.upintheairtheatre.com. Dave is an actor, director and playwright and teaches acting, play creation and physical theatre technique at Van Arts Vancouver Institute of Media Arts. www.vanarts.com

Cocktail Awards:

Invited Competitor – Deighton Cup

1st Place – Art of the Cocktail: City vs City Challenge

2nd Place – Made with Love – People’s Choice

2nd Place – Barefoot Bistro International Caesar Battle

GEOFF MOTT

Owner and Head Bartender

Geoff Mott has been working in the bar and restaurant industry for over 25 years. He has worked as a fine dining server, cocktail menu and wine consultant, bartender and staff trainer. Geoff has extensive French cuisine and BC wine knowledge gained working in Vancouver and Whistler, BC.

Geoff was the American Express Employee of the Year 97/98 and Lead trainer at the Old Spaghetti Factory, and a staff trainer and bartender at Monk’s high end steak house, and Val Disere fine French restaurant in Whistler. He is skilled at team building, sports team coaching and management, catering event production, and staffing. Working for two years as a direct salesman throughout B.C. and in the greater Vancouver area; Geoff brings to the table a solid sales technique foundation coupled with true to life serving experience.

Cocktail Awards:

Invited Competitor - Kraken Rum Eggnog Battle
2nd Place – Barefoot Bistro International Caesar Battle
Top Ten – Diplomatico Rum Invitational
2nd Place – Made with Love – People’s Choice

“I just had my first gig as a bartender last night and made some great money ... I came with absolutely no experience in the hospitality industry whatsoever, but in two weeks I had acquired a whole range of new skills and knowledge. They really work hard to ensure that you learn and understand the material. What’s more, after you graduate the guys will help you retool your resume, and try to help connect you with a job.”

— Erik: Complete Bartending Grad