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.
George Clooney draws crowds as he visits Scottish cafe
Hollywood star George Clooney gets into his car after visiting the Social Bite cafe in Edinburgh Scotland Thursday Nov. 12, 2015, after accepting an invitation to meet workers at the sandwich shop which helps the homeless 5. Danny Lawson/PA via AP