Barista snubs Anthony Albanese in trending Café moment: 'Man’s just doing his job'

It's not every day that you see a country's leader being given the cold shoulder, especially in a setting as casual as a local café.

But that's precisely what happened to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a recently resurfaced incident, causing quite a stir on social media.

The awkward exchange has reignited debates about public perception of politicians, with many weighing in on what it says about the current political climate.


The scene unfolded at the iconic Bar Italia in Leichhardt, Sydney's inner west, during the Italian Festa in October 2022.

The Prime Minister, dressed down in a T-shirt and accompanied by a throng of press and photographers, entered the bustling café with the intention of grabbing a quick coffee.

However, things didn't go quite as planned.


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Video of Anthony Albanese being ignored by a barista resurfaces and goes viral. Credit: Instagram


In the CCTV footage shared by Bar Italia, we see Mr Albanese approach the counter and attempt to catch the barista's attention by waving his hand.

But the barista, engrossed in his work and serving another customer, appears to ignore the Prime Minister completely.

Despite Mr Albanese's status and the media circus surrounding him, the barista remains focused on his job, only briefly acknowledging the PM with a quick glance before returning to his duties.


The clip, which has gone viral since being shared, has sparked various reactions from viewers.

Some have praised the barista for his dedication to his work and for not being star-struck by the presence of the nation's leader.

'Man’s just doing his job,' one said.

Others have found the situation 'embarrassing,' with comments suggesting that the barista's reaction was a silent statement representing the sentiments of many Australians.

However, it's important to note that the Prime Minister's spokesperson clarified that Mr Albanese was not trying to cut the queue but was simply there after handing out free gelato to celebrate Bar Italia's 70th anniversary.

Known for being a long-time patron of the café, situated in his electorate of Grayndler, Mr Albanese's connection to Bar Italia dates back to the 1996 political documentary Rats in the Ranks.


Despite the awkward encounter, the Prime Minister and his team took the situation in stride, laughing it off and taking the opportunity to snap a few selfies with the café's patrons.

Mr Albanese is no stranger to Bar Italia, having visited the café numerous times, including a February 2024 visit with Member for Cooper and Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney for ice cream, which he cheerfully documented on social media.

Bar Italia is known for sharing lighthearted content from their security cameras, including funny mishaps involving their staff.

They've even posted footage of Mr Albanese warmly greeting the owner with a hug on a different occasion.

This incident serves as a reminder that, in Australia, a no-nonsense work ethic and the egalitarian spirit often trump status and celebrity.


It's a country where even the Prime Minister can be just another customer waiting his turn at the coffee counter.

As for the barista, his stoic demeanour in the face of political celebrity has earned him a moment of internet fame and perhaps a nod of respect from those who value humility and hard work over hierarchy.

Remember, these moments of levity and humanity are what keep us grounded, reminding us that at the end of the day, we're all just people looking for a good cup of coffee and a bit of respect.


Credit: Instagram

Key Takeaways

  • An awkward video showing Anthony Albanese being ignored by a barista at Bar Italia in Sydney has resurfaced and gone viral.
  • Despite attempts to get the barista's attention, Mr Albanese was ultimately disregarded as the barista continued to serve other customers.
  • A spokesperson for Mr Albanese clarified that he was not cutting the queue and had been handing out free gelato as part of the Italian Festa celebrations.
  • Anthony Albanese is a long-time patron of Bar Italia, frequently visiting the cafe in his electorate and engaging with the local community.
What do you think about this unusual encounter? Was the barista's reaction justified, or should he have given the Prime Minister a warmer reception? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
 
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The Worst PM this country has ever had. I thought that Rudd, Gillard Turnbull and Morrison were bad. We need an election ASAP and get rid of the ALP, Greens and Teals. If you thought the Gillard/Greens Government Albanese Government were bad, just wait and you may see a ALP/GREEN/TEAL Coalition if people vote stupidly for these people who don't give a shite about Australia or Australians (apart from overtaxing and wasting our money) but just themselves. The ball is in the voter's court. Think carefully before you cast your vote, research the candidates and ensure you understand the preferential voting system.
 
From what I read , yes everybody waits their turn but even in my little cafe I get a smile and a. Won’t be long. But it seems that the pm was just ignored. Was it just him or did it happen to us ordinary folk? Regardless of how busy good manners don’t go out of style
 
The Worst PM this country has ever had. I thought that Rudd, Gillard Turnbull and Morrison were bad. We need an election ASAP and get rid of the ALP, Greens and Teals. If you thought the Gillard/Greens Government Albanese Government were bad, just wait and you may see a ALP/GREEN/TEAL Coalition if people vote stupidly for these people who don't give a shite about Australia or Australians (apart from overtaxing and wasting our money) but just themselves. The ball is in the voter's court. Think carefully before you cast your vote, research the candidates and ensure you understand the preferential voting system.
Typical LNP supporter comment. Say no more!
 
From what I read , yes everybody waits their turn but even in my little cafe I get a smile and a. Won’t be long. But it seems that the pm was just ignored. Was it just him or did it happen to us ordinary folk? Regardless of how busy good manners don’t go out of style
This PM, the man who has sold Australia down the toilet, sold us out to his communist mates in China, divided the country with massive unwarranted money to the indigenous community, destroyed the living standards of hard working Australian families all in the interest of lining his own pockets and his crew, does not deserve any sort of respect, only massive contempt. he is nothing but a self centred arrogant A*******, pity the barrista hadn't thrown the coffee over him.
 
This PM, the man who has sold Australia down the toilet, sold us out to his communist mates in China, divided the country with massive unwarranted money to the indigenous community, destroyed the living standards of hard working Australian families all in the interest of lining his own pockets and his crew, does not deserve any sort of respect, only massive contempt. he is nothing but a self centred arrogant A*******, pity the barrista hadn't thrown the coffee over him.
Sadly it seems like that is a fact. An elderly friend said to me quite simply. Bring back Menzies. Well he did love his country and we did pretty well with him as the pm
 
I dislike politicians, Albanese in particularly, and would be amused to see him given the lack of respect he deserves.

However the suggestion that he was jumping the queue or that the barista snubbed him isn't, in my opinion, correct.

My opinion of what happened is:

Albo was just asking a question, probably confirming an existing order with the barista.

The barista looked at Albo, heard what he asked, glanced back to his terminal to check and then looked Albo again and replied to his question.

Then Albo turned away without any fuss as if satisfied.
 
This PM, the man who has sold Australia down the toilet, sold us out to his communist mates in China, divided the country with massive unwarranted money to the indigenous community, destroyed the living standards of hard working Australian families all in the interest of lining his own pockets and his crew, does not deserve any sort of respect, only massive contempt. he is nothing but a self centred arrogant A*******, pity the barrista hadn't thrown the coffee over him.
What a load of crap you have just written. You just couldn’t wait to pass on your LNP crap could you? Hope you feel vindicated now.
 
Unfortunately too many of the politicians in our country are regarded as useless, no interest in what the people that vote them in have to say, make promises that are never kept and use the taxpayers money as their own personal handout, as seen in this case.

Albo shouting everyone to gelato, really !!!!!!!!!!! would not have been out of his pocket.
He as well as the party are looked on with absolute contempt.
The money that has been wasted and sent to every corner of the earth is once again disgusting.
Only now when election looming, the money is being splashed out.

If he had walked in to a coffee shop without all the hangers on, no one would have taken any notice, he is not a celebrity, not elite or famous.
His a public servant elected by the people and here’s hoping, voted out by the people.
 
Unfortunately too many of the politicians in our country are regarded as useless, no interest in what the people that vote them in have to say, make promises that are never kept and use the taxpayers money as their own personal handout, as seen in this case.

Albo shouting everyone to gelato, really !!!!!!!!!!! would not have been out of his pocket.
He as well as the party are looked on with absolute contempt.
The money that has been wasted and sent to every corner of the earth is once again disgusting.
Only now when election looming, the money is being splashed out.

If he had walked in to a coffee shop without all the hangers on, no one would have taken any notice, he is not a celebrity, not elite or famous.
His a public servant elected by the people and here’s hoping, voted out by the people.
you are very succinct and i applaud you.
 
The Worst PM this country has ever had. I thought that Rudd, Gillard Turnbull and Morrison were bad. We need an election ASAP and get rid of the ALP, Greens and Teals. If you thought the Gillard/Greens Government Albanese Government were bad, just wait and you may see a ALP/GREEN/TEAL Coalition if people vote stupidly for these people who don't give a shite about Australia or Australians (apart from overtaxing and wasting our money) but just themselves. The ball is in the voter's court. Think carefully before you cast your vote, research the candidates and ensure you understand the preferential voting system.
What the f... has your little story got to do with the story about a cup of coffee. Geez some people.
 

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