Mr Szadowski had recently graduated from Middlesex University 

TRIBUTES have been paid to a Kentish Town barista who was killed in a motorbike crash on his way home from work.

Dawid Szadowski, who had worked for the past three years at Doppio coffee shop in Kentish Town Road, was described by customers as a “friendly face in a lonely city” who had a “hugely generous heart”.

Colleagues said the 25-year-old, who had recently graduated from university, was bubbling with excitement about a job interview on the day he died.

He collided with a van as he rode to his home in Hendon at around 4pm last Wednesday.

His colleague Sergio Bosa said: “As soon as I arrived I noticed how enthusiastic and happy he was feeling, so I had to ask him about how his last interview went. He was very excited on that day, he couldn’t stay still for a moment and he kept checking his phone in case he was getting the call or email that he waited, studied and worked so much for.

“He left with a happy face, with a fast pace as he was still excited that his dream was finally about to become real.

“I cannot put in words how sad, empty and quiet the place feels with out him. He will forever be missed.”

Born in Poland, Mr Szadowski was working at Doppio while studying for a business management degree at Middlesex University.

Anna Brewer, a regular at Doppio, said: “I loved chatting to Dawid most days of the week when he was working in Doppio.”

She said he was “just the nicest man, with a wonderfully dry sense of humour and a hugely generous heart”.

“He was especially lovely with our daughter, who he saw every day for 16 months since she was born.”

A book of remembrance has been left at the entrance to the shop, alongside a floral tribute and candles. It is packed with tributes from customers and colleagues.

A message from staff reads: “His cheeky and humorous personality quickly endeared him to both staff and customers. A kind, sensitive and intelligent man who always had time for a quick chat.”

More than £2,300 has been donated on a fundraising page that was set up by Mr Szadowski’s friends to help his family cover funeral costs.

One Doppio customer said: “He had a bright future ahead of him, and I could tell in his voice he was ready for the next chapter of his life after university. I’m so sorry for this senseless loss of such a wonderful man at such a young age.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision, which took place in Falloden Way, Hampstead Garden Suburb. The 27-year-old man who was behind the wheel of the van was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.