Michelin-starred chef backs restaurant for the homeless

Home is the brainchild of Josh Littlejohn, founder of the not-for-profit Social Bite sandwich chain.

The 70-cover venue will allow guests to buy meals for the homeless in advance when it opens on Edinburgh's Queensferry Street in mid-September.

The dishes will be served at a special service for vulnerable people every Monday afternoon.

Home will be run by Dean Gassabi of Maison Bleue restaurants with the backing of chef Wishart, David Wither of Montpelier Group and restaurateur Simon Littlejohn – who is also Josh’s father.

Wishart - who has held a Michelin star for his Edinburgh venture Restaurant Martin Wishart since 2001 - will create monthly specials for the menu and cook as a guest chef four times a year.

Josh Littlejohn said: “We see this restaurant as the next evolution of the Social Bite concept. It's a place where diners can come for an amazing dining experience but also support some of the most vulnerable people in our society at the same time.

“We will be inviting the homeless community into the restaurant every Monday 3pm- 5pm to eat with dignity - not to offer a hand out, but a hand up - to employment, stability and self-worth.”

Home will also run training schemes for the Social Bite Academy, the charity’s four-year paid course for homeless people.

Gassabi said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Josh and the team at Social Bite on this exciting new venture.

“The idea of making a big difference in the community is something that was of big appeal to me and all of my team here, and we look forward to welcoming diners next month.”

For more information on the project visit www.home-restaurant.co.uk​