He barged through the door as terrified staff and customers looked on
Kim Horton Senior Reporter
13:14, 27 Jul 2025
A man has been captured on CCTV unleashing a terrifying attack on a popular café in the centre of Bristol. The footage shows the man forcing his way past a staff member before proceeding to throw a chair which smashed into food and drink items on a serving counter.
The incident happened on Friday, July 25, at the Hatter House Café in Broadmead. The man is said to have attempted to steal items from the shop moments earlier. A fracas developed and he returned wearing a balaclava before vandalising the shop’s interior.
The incident has been reported to Avon and Somerset police. Despite the horrible ordeal, it is believed no one was hurt.
A man has been captured on CCTV unleashing a terrifying attack smashing up the Hatter House Cafe in the centre of Bristol on Friday, July 25(Image: Hatter House Cafe)
Hatter House Café employee, Obada Kanawati, said: “On the afternoon of this Friday, our café in Broadmead was blatantly, aggressively, and disrespectfully attacked by an individual who attempted to steal items from our shop. When refused service, he found it necessary to act on that.
“This act of violence doesn’t make sense to us as a small business, as all we try to do is provide the community with a nice place to socialise, and accommodate to as many customers as we can. However, acts like these remain our main challenge operating on such a busy high street. It’s unfortunate that us, small businesses have to deal with this on a daily basis.
A man has been captured on CCTV unleashing a terrifying attack smashing up the Hatter House Cafe in the centre of Bristol on Friday, July 25(Image: Hatter House Cafe)
“We’d like to extend our gratitude that all our staff, and customers were left unharmed during this event. It was only material items that we will be replacing, albeit the result of such an unnecessary act of violence.
“The man stole a few bottles of juice and coke on the day but when I went out and confronted him he threw it at me shattering it in my face and then rushed to attack me. I had him in a headlock for a time and asked those walking by to contact the police.
A man has been captured on CCTV unleashing a terrifying attack smashing up the Hatter House Cafe in the centre of Bristol on Friday, July 25(Image: Hatter House Cafe)
“Some people got between us and he tried a few jabs at me and then turned around and ran away. This was near the Sainsbury entrance. I then went to a member of the public to give me the video they recorded and as I did that he looped back around and that’s when he ran into the shop wearing the face covering.”
CCTV footage shows him barging through the door which hit a female member of staff who was cleaning. He then picked up a chair and hurled it across the room which smashed into the counter. He then storms out, wiping the door handle with what appears to be an item of clothing as he left.
Obada added: “We are coordinating with Avon and Somerset Police on the matter, and hope we can find the individual responsible.”
If anyone has any information regarding the incident, contact Avon and Somerset police, quoting reference number 5225210229