George Clooney draws crowds as he visits Scottish cafe

LONDON — George Clooney has taken a break from Hollywood glitz to visit a small sandwich cafe 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."

Inside, the star handed over a five pound note — as well as about $1,000 — 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 in the day.

Clooney also had an unlikely lunch date in Edinburgh — 32-year-old wedding planner Heather McGowan, who won a competition to dine with the star on Thursday.