The restaurant, called Home, will see Michellin-starred chef Martin Wishart guest chef once a quarter at the Queensferry Street venue in the west end of Edinburgh.

Wishart will be joined in the new venture by restaurateurs Dean Gassabi and Simon Littlejohn, the father of social entrepreneur Josh who set up Social Bite.

Launching in mid-September, Home will offer diners a blend of French and Scottish cuisine. It provides training and employment programmes for members of the Social Bite Academy, a four-year course for homeless people.

Mr Wishart will create monthly special for the menu and will also offer places in his Cook School to members of the Academy.

Diners will also be encouraged to “Pay Forward” meals for homeless people to eat later.

Josh Littlejohn said: “I am grateful to these influential restauranteurs for supporting us to make this the best restaurant it can be.

“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 from 3pm- 5pm to eat with dignity - not to offer a hand out, but a hand up - to employment, stability and self-worth.”

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

“We will bring all of the ingredients that makes Maison Bleue successful - fresh produce, great value and excellent customer service - to create a fantastic dining experience.

“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.”