George Clooney praises 'fantastic' Edinburgh sandwich shop run by ex-homeless staff during Scotland visit

The actor said he thought the cafe, which gives food and drink to the homeless, was a "fantastic" cause

(Getty)

George Clooney paid a visit to a socially-conscious cafe in Edinburgh staffed by people who were formerly homeless, donating $1,000 (£657) to their cause.

Social Bite operates a “Suspended Coffee and Food" initiative that feeds local homeless people.

One in four member of staff across the five Social Bite shops in Scotland were homeless before working there.

A loyalty card system - similar to those used in other high street coffee chains - sees customers accumulate stamps which, after 10 visits, can be used to give a homeless person a meal and hot drink.

Mr George Clooney being very generous with his time and taking selfies with our staff today. Go team! :)

Posted by Social Bite on Thursday, 12 November 2015

Clooney told Sky News he thought the charity was “fantastic” and he “loved the idea of paying it forward”.

The Gravity actor flew into Edinburgh after being invited by Social Bite’s co-founder Josh Littlejohn, who is also the organiser of the Scottish Business Awards, which he was due to attend later that day.

“I like what they’ve doing, I think it’s a very important cause. I think the idea that we can all participate in everyone’s difficulties is really important,” he told reporters outside the cafe.

While in the shop he ordered an avocado, pesto and pepper wrap with a black coffee.

Littlejohn said Clooney was an “incredible guy” to visit them.

“He was delighted to spend time with some of our formerly homeless staff and hear the stories of how they have transformed their lives through full-time work.

“The fact that he not only sampled the food himself but also pre-paid meals for homeless people to claim later made it extra special.”