Cappuccino ‘Swirl’ Lands Teen Barista in Hot Water

“I saw that and said, ‘surely that is a swastika?’” he recalled.

By United with Israel Staff

A young barista in north London learned a powerful and painful lesson this week after a “design” he created in a cappuccino landed him in serious trouble, ultimately costing him his job and underscoring the weight carried by hateful symbols.

The incident took place at The Coffee Cup, a popular café in Hampstead, after a Jewish family noticed what appeared to be a swastika formed in cocoa powder on top of a cappuccino they had ordered. The barista, a 19-year-old trainee working weekends at the café, was fired shortly afterward.

Speaking to Jewish News, the 45-year-old father from north London, who asked to remain anonymous, said he had gone out for breakfast with his family and decided to stop at the café without a reservation. “They were very, very helpful and got us in,” he said.

When his wife’s cappuccino arrived, he immediately noticed the pattern in the foam. “I saw that and said, ‘surely that is a swastika?’” he recalled. Unsure whether it was intentional, he chose not to make a scene and instead asked to speak with the manager.

“I said, ‘Listen, we’re Jewish, and to me this looks like a very clear symbol, and we’re not okay with it,’” he told Jewish News.

According to the customer, the manager went into the kitchen and returned apologetically, explaining that the drink had been prepared by a trainee barista. “He said the barista was 19, that he didn’t even know what a swastika was, and that he was just trying to make a swirl,” the father said. “They were extremely sorry.”

The café’s general manager, Bekim Haradini, confirmed that he personally photographed the drink and immediately confronted the barista. “I was absolutely upset,” Haradini said. “This has never happened before. I fired him immediately. He’s young, he started crying and shaking, but I was so shaken by the incident. He doesn’t work here anymore.”

Haradini said the barista, identified only as Mesut, insisted he had no idea what he had created. “He said he didn’t know,” Haradini recounted. “I said, ‘What do you mean you didn’t know?’ He swore he didn’t do it intentionally.”

Jewish News reviewed CCTV footage of the coffee being prepared and reported that there was no evidence the symbol was created deliberately.

In a text message sent to Mesut and later seen by the outlet, Haradini wrote: “Because of this sign, you’re fired. I know you didn’t mean it, but I just can’t stand it.”

The Jewish father said he never demanded the barista be dismissed. “If there was intent, then I’m glad he got fired,” he said. “If there wasn’t, then it’s a really harsh lesson for the kid. Symbols carry weight whether we like it or not.”

The incident comes amid heightened sensitivity and rising concern over antisemitism in Britain, where Jewish communities have reported a surge in harassment and hostile incidents.

While the café maintains there was no malicious intent, the episode has underscored how deeply charged symbols like the swastika remain, and how even unintended actions can have serious consequences.