Entertainment

George Clooney visits Edinburgh sandwich shop staffed by ex-homeless

George Clooney has taken a break from Hollywood glitz to visit a small sandwich café that helps homeless people in Edinburgh.

Hollywood star samples sandwich, drops off donation

Actor George Clooney, centre, poses with former homeless staff members of Edinburgh's Social Bite sandwich shop during a visit on Thursday. (Jeff Holmes/Getty Images)

George Clooney has taken a break from Hollywood glitz to visit a small sandwich café that helps homeless people in Edinburgh.

The 54-year-old actor drew a large crowd of onlookers and reporters as he arrived Thursday in a chauffeur-driven car at the establishment, which employs and feeds the homeless.

Clooney praised the project and told reporters: "I like what they're 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."

Clooney, whose visit drew masses of fans and onlookers, poses for a selfie with members of the public outside the Edinburgh shop, which donates all its profits to homeless people. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Inside, the star handed over a five pound note — as well as about $1,000 US — to buy meals for the needy, and sampled a platter of sandwich and a coffee himself.

He was invited to the cafe by its co-founder Josh Littlejohn, who also set up the Scottish Business Awards, which the actor will attend later Thursday.

Clooney was also due to meet a 32-year-old wedding planner who won a competition to have lunch with the star at a secret location Thursday.