Barista Fired After Cappuccino ‘Swastika’ Horror in Hampstead Café
A trainee barista at Hampstead’s famed Coffee Cup has been sacked after frothy cocoa on a Jewish customer’s cappuccino appeared to form a swastika. The shocking symbol sparked outrage but swift action by staff helped calm the storm.
Dad Spots Shocking Swastika in Coffee Foam
The 45-year-old father of two from North London took his family for breakfast at the popular Hampstead High Street café. His wife ordered a cappuccino, but when the drink arrived, the dad noticed something chilling in the froth.
“When it landed, I said, ‘Surely that’s a swastika?’ I didn’t want to cause a scene but called the manager over and told him: ‘We’re Jewish, and this symbol isn’t okay.’ He was mortified.”
The manager, Bekim Haradini, acted without hesitation. He snapped a photo of the coffee, confronted the 19-year-old trainee barista, and fired him on the spot.
Manager: No Intent But Zero Tolerance for Hate Symbol
Haradini told Jewish News: “The barista said he didn’t even know what a swastika was. He claimed he was just trying to make a swirl.”
Despite believing it was unintentional, the manager refused to tolerate the symbol. “He started to cry and was shaking when I fired him. I got upset too — I just couldn’t stand it.”
CCTV footage reviewed by Jewish News showed no clear evidence the trainee meant to create the symbol. Still, the manager was determined to send a strong message against hate.
Customer Forgives but Warns: ‘Symbols Carry Weight’
The father of two said he didn’t want the barista sacked if it wasn’t intentional — but stressed the seriousness of the incident.
“If there was intent, I’m glad he’s gone. If not, it’s a harsh lesson for the kid. Symbols like that carry weight whether we like it or not.”
He also praised the Coffee Cup’s quick response:
“I wouldn’t hesitate to go back. I don’t think there’s a problem with antisemitism here.”
The Coffee Cup, a Hampstead fixture since 1954, has shown zero tolerance for hate, proving that swift action can protect community trust and nip tensions in the bud.
