Toro Coffee — Restaurant in Scotland

UPDATED RESPONSE AT END AVOID Toro Coffee in Shawlands at all costs. The Caucasian barista was wearing a pro-Palestine T-shirt and was praised for it by Muslim customers. She then boasted about how she often receives lots of compliments on it. This behaviour is not only unprofessional but a blatant display of divisive and offensive politics shoved in customers’ faces. Jewish customers, or anyone who disagrees, are made to feel unwelcome and uncomfortable. It’s shocking she thought this was appropriate for work. A coffee shop should be a neutral, safe space - not a platform for toxic political posturing. Toro Coffee utterly fails basic decency. Steer clear!!!

In response to Toro Coffee's reply:

I fully support freedom of expression, but it comes with the responsibility to recognise that some messages - however well-intentioned - are politically charged and can make others feel excluded or uncomfortable. This is especially true in a coffee shop that serves customers from diverse backgrounds and with differing, often deeply personal, perspectives on complex issues.

The fact remains that wearing overt political slogans at work is not neutral, and in this case, it risked alienating Jewish customers or anyone who does not share that viewpoint. For balance, I would not expect to see a staff member wearing an Israeli T-shirt either - both would be equally inappropriate in a professional, public-facing role.

My review was not an accusation of antisemitism, but an observation that this display was inappropriate for a business that claims to value respect and tolerance. Inclusivity means creating a space where everyone feels equally welcome, not one where certain political stances are on open display. A coffee shop should be a place for community, not political messaging - no matter which side of a debate...

Hilarious how Toro Coffee got a negative review over their barista wearing a pro-Palestine top, then - like clockwork - a wave of glowing “five-star” reviews popped up within hours, clearly from friends or staff trying to bury the criticism. I came here to comment on the same issue. I’ve been to Toro a few times and never spoken up until now, but I also felt uncomfortable seeing it. I didn’t say anything at the time - there was a queue, and I wasn’t looking for a debate - but I certainly won’t be returning.

The fact they can’t see why wearing a pro-Palestine top behind the counter is inappropriate is concerning. I’m not Jewish, nor pro-anything, but I don’t agree with coffee shops forcing political messaging in customers’ faces. A small badge might have been less jarring - though still questionable - especially given this was a white girl from Scotland with no direct connection to the cause, likely just jumping on a trend. I’d bet she couldn’t even point to Palestine on a map.

Wearing a full, bold Palestine top in a customer-facing role was inappropriate, made me and my friend feel uncomfortable, and ruined the experience. We won’t be back - and I suggest others check out the many alternative coffee...

Awful drinks. Went to get a Chai latte with regular milk, but it was disgusting. It tasted like warm sour milk with fennel seeds. My friend ordered an iced chai, which also had the same disgusting taste. I explained to the staff that I was unsatisfied with my drink and I'd just like to buy another. They kindly offered to replace it free of charge and I gave them a tip for being so accommodating. It was replaced with a latte with regular milk and brown sugar. This coffee was also disgusting. The coffee tasted burnt, and the milk again tasting sour. Really disappointing considering there are so many good quality coffee shops in the Shawlands/Strathbungo area. The group is was with all shared the same view that the drinks were unpleasant. The pastries were lovely but honestly, walk 10 mins into shawlands and go...