Security footage has revealed the moment a trainee barista in North London accidentally created a shape resembling a swastika in the foam of a coffee served to a Jewish family.
The Incident at The Coffee Cup
The incident occurred at The Coffee Cup in Hampstead, a cafe that has been operating since 1954. Exclusive video obtained by Metro shows the barista pouring chocolate powder onto a cappuccino before spinning the cup in an attempt to create a decorative pattern.
Instead of an artistic swirl, the motion inadvertently formed the notorious Nazi symbol in the foam. The drink was served to a family of four, described by the cafe's manager as "absolutely lovely people."
Family's Distress and Manager's Response
The father, a 45-year-old man with two children, was the first to notice the symbol. He told the Jewish News: "My wife ordered a cappuccino, and when it landed, I saw that and said, 'Surely that is a swastika?'"
He then alerted the manager, stating: "Listen, we're Jewish, maybe visibly, so to me, that looks like a very obvious symbol, and we're not okay with it." He later clarified he did not believe the cafe or the staff were antisemitic.
The manager, speaking exclusively to Metro, said he was "shocked and upset" and immediately sent the barista home. The trainee insisted the shape was a complete accident, claiming he was unaware of its meaning. The barista has since lost his job, though the manager confirmed the situation remains under review.
Community Reaction and Wider Context
The Community Security Trust (CST), which represents the Jewish community on security matters, welcomed the cafe's swift response. A CST spokesperson stated it was understandable why the family was upset and praised the manager for taking the complaint seriously.
This incident follows a separate report in December 2025 concerning a swastika necklace advertised for sale online just after Hanukkah. The listing, described as a "trendy and niche" pendant, was condemned by Jewish on Campus and swiftly removed by the hosting platform.
The CST spokesperson added: "It is shocking that a swastika necklace was ever available for purchase. Swastikas aren't only a representation of a dark past. They continue to be used against us today."
The complainant in the coffee shop incident said he would return to the Hampstead cafe, appreciating the manager's reasonable handling of a deeply sensitive situation.
