Popular Edinburgh bar and kitchen that donated meals to homeless closes its doors

A popular Edinburgh bar and kitchen that served up meals to the homeless with it’s ‘pay it forward’ service has closed it’s doors.

Vesta Bar and Kitchen which took over the former Social Bite on Queensferry Street shut on Sunday, 22 October.

The bar which champions Scotland's mission to end homelessness has served more than 11,000 two-course meals to people experiencing homelessness, after taking over the premises five years ago.

Now the owners have put the building up for sale but the pay it forward service will be opening in January at the Bon Vivant on Thistle Street.

Social Bite’s restaurant Home relaunched as ‘Vesta’ last summer after originally opening in September 2016 as a partnership between Social Bite and Dean Gassabi of Maison Bleue.

The homelessness charity then teamed up with David Hall, one of Scotland’s most experienced hospitality operators, previously of The Innis & Gunn Beer Kitchens and Tigerlily, to create Vesta.

The restaurant hosted Oscar-winning actor Leo DiCaprio before he gave the keynote speech at the Scottish Business Awards at the EICC in 2016.

Announcing the closure on their website David Hall said:

"We'd like to thank everyone, our fabulous customers, suppliers, friends and family who have supported us over the last few years. Together, through our Pay It Forward service, we have served over 11.000 two-course meals to people experiencing homelessness which is, quite simply, outstanding.

“With the sale of the building, while it's time for pastures new for owner David Hall and the team, we're delighted to say, our Pay It Forward service has a new home at The Bon Vivant on Thistle Street! This will start in January 2024.”

"Once again, thank you for your support - we've had an amazing time on Queensferry Street and we know the spirit of Vesta, and our vital work, will live on at The Bon Vivant.David Hall and the Vesta Team.”

All bookings at Vesta from Sunday 22nd October are cancelled but alternative venues will be offered to anyone who booked for Christmas. Any deposits paid will be refunded, staff said.