Homeless people in Edinburgh have been treated to a fine dining meal at a chic new restaurant for the first time.

Maison Bleue at Home opened in Edinburgh to a fanfare of praise just two weeks ago with a promise to feed members of the homeless community once a week, while also contributing its profits to charity.

Now, the Queensferry Street eatery, which is run by renowned father and daughter restaurateurs Dean and Layla Gassabi, debuted its special meal service yesterday, made possible by “pay it forward” contributions from diners.

“The atmosphere was perfect too, really calm. You would never think that you were sitting with homeless people having a meal. I was with my partner and it just felt like my partner had taken me out for a lovely dinner.”

“It was good to come along, get out of the cold and enjoy a hot meal in the company of other folk who are in the same situation. I would definitely recommend it to others.”