Social Bite Village – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

The Coffee Shop That Started It All: Social Bite re-opens its original Coffee Shop after transformation

Social Bite’s Rose Street coffee shop has officially reopened following a full renovation, bringing fresh energy to the space where a job request from a Big Issue seller sparked a national movement to tackle homelessness, back in 2012.

That moment laid the foundations for Social Bite, which has since grown into a leading social business – creating employment for people facing homelessness and significant barriers to work, becoming one of the UK’s largest providers of freshly prepared free food, and delivering supportive housing and employability programmes nationwide.

Last year alone, the organisation provided almost 159,000 free food and drink items across the UK, including around 58,000 served from the Rose Street shop. Its pioneering Social Bite Village has supported almost 100 people into stable accommodation since opening in 2018, while more than 120 people have been employed through their Jobs First programme.

The newly renovated shop reopens to the public today (Friday 6 March) and will continue its Pay It Forward programme to allow kind-hearted visitors to buy a drink or a meal for someone who needs it. Additionally, the daily free food service will return to the shop from Monday 9 March.

The transformed space has created a light, bright and welcoming environment for paying and non-paying guests. With inclusivity front of mind, the space has been carefully designed to create a better experience for all by reconfiguring the layout and launching a new high quality food and drink menu for everyone to enjoy.

A new community bookshelf, stocked with books generously donated by a corporate supporter, adds to the inclusive feel of the coffee shop, encouraging connection, conversation and a sense of belonging. The coffee shop aims to become a hub for foodies, commuters and locals with plans for a bookclub, running club and live music nights.

The reopening was marked by a ribbon-cutting from Sonny Murray, one of Social Bite’s first employees, alongside Social Bite Co-Founder Josh Littlejohn MBE, Social Bite Managing Director Mel Swan, and Mitchells & Butlers Retail Business Manager Maclain Wilson.

Sonny first came to the Rose Street shop back in 2013, accessing the free food service before asking staff for an opportunity to work – a chance that enabled him to secure accommodation and begin rebuilding his future.

He now works as a tour guide with Invisible Cities in Edinburgh, which trains and employs people with lived experience of homelessness to become professional guides, and his journey reflects the long-term impact of meaningful employment.

Speaking about the Rose Street shop, Sonny Murray said: “This shop means a lot to me because it’s where things started to change – it gave me a chance to help rebuild my life.

“It’s brilliant to see it refurbished and reopening, and I hope it encourages more people to come in, grab a coffee and support what Social Bite does.

“The more people who walk through these doors, the more opportunities there are for people like me to get back on our feet.”

Josh Littlejohn MBE, Social Bite Co-Founder, said: “It’s incredibly special to stand back in the place where this all began. Rose Street is where the idea for Social Bite as we know it first took shape, sparked by a simple question about a job.

“From that moment, we set out to prove that business can be a force for good.

“To see how far we’ve come, from one small coffee shop to supporting thousands of people across the UK with food, employment and housing support and services, is something we’re immensely proud of. Reopening this space feels like both a homecoming and a reminder of why we started.”

The renovation was made possible thanks to the generous support and time of project partners including Mitchells & Butlers, Matthew Algie, Surface ID, Donaldson Construction, WHP Quantity Surveying and YCE Catering Equipment, whose collaboration has helped create a space that truly reflects Social Bite’s mission.

Visitors to Social Bite Rose Street can expect a delicious new menu featuring breakfast and lunch options, freshly baked pastries, and expertly crafted barista drinks, including special rose flavoured additions to mark the relaunch such as the Rose Matcha, Rose Latte, and Rose Mocha.

Every purchase helps to fund Social Bite’s work supporting people who have experienced and been affected by homelessness, as well as its Pay It Forward system, which helps provide free food and drink to thousands of vulnerable people across the UK each year.

Social Bite invites the local community, businesses and visitors to come along and experience good food for a good cause, where great coffee, delicious food, and community support come together to help change lives.

Find out more at Social-Bite.co.uk

Edinburgh developers move a mountain to tackle homelessness

More than 2,500 tonnes of crushed demolition material recycled to provide firm foundations for Edinburgh’s new Social Bite Village

A man-made mountain of more than 2,500 tonnes of crushed demolition material has been transported across Edinburgh as part of an innovative scheme to provide a long-term solution for people facing homelessness.

The mammoth operation saw almost 100 truckloads of inert building rubble recycled from a city centre development site to form the foundations of a new Social Bite Village, located along the capital’s Granton waterfront.

Charity Social Bite teamed up with regeneration specialist Artisan Real Estate to relocate building material which remained following the demolition of the former Deutsche Bank House at 525 Ferry Road (above), making way for Artisan’s spectacular homes-led redevelopment of the site in 2026.

The recycled rubble is now being used to create level groundwork as part of the ongoing construction of the Social Bite Village which will soon become home for up to 16 people who have been affected by homelessness.

The new waterfront community will provide seven new one-bedroom ‘Nest Houses’, together with existing homes converted into single occupancy based on resident feedback. The new community will also include a communal area for residents to cook, gather and relax, together with gardens and space to grow fruit and vegetables.

“This is a superb example of how clever collaboration in the building industry can help improve the world around us,” says Artisan’s Managing Director for Scotland, David Westwater.

“As part of Artisan’s stated commitment to sustainability, we always ensure that as much material as possible can be reused or recycled following demolition. And for this commitment to allow us to help such a life-empowering movement as the creation of a new Social Bite Village means that this really is a perfect development partnership.”

The new Social Bite Village is a relocation of the existing temporary village site, less than one mile away in Granton. The charity’s Edinburgh village model has so far helped more than 100 residents who, at the end of their stay, are supported in transitioning to permanent accommodation. Many have gone on to secure employment, reconnect with family, and move into their own permanent homes.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, adds: “It’s very exciting to see our new project taking shape on a stunning seafront location, and we are delighted to be partnering with Artisan to provide such a firm foundation for the site.

“The success of the Edinburgh Village serves as a blueprint for other projects that we are planning. Its design offers people affected by homelessness, living in unsupported temporary accommodation or other insecure housing, a safe and supportive community in which to find a fresh start.

“With many cities all over the UK declaring housing emergencies and becoming overly reliant on expensive, substandard temporary accommodation, we are proud that our village projects can demonstrate a better alternative that also makes use of innovative construction methods.”

Artisan will start construction of its Ferry Road site, known as 525 Park View (above) in early 2026, in partnership with REInvest Asset Management S.A.

The development will create a low-carbon residential-led community providing 256 sustainable homes, 25% of which will be for affordable housing.

Flexible commercial space facing on to Ferry Road will provide potential for cafes, shops and shared workspaces.

Social Bite breaks ground on Edinburgh Village to help end Homelessness

Work has begun at the Waterfront location in Granton for the Edinburgh Social Bite Village move

Leading homelessness charity Social Bite is today celebrating the first diggers starting construction work on the Granton Waterfront site where it will relocate its pioneering Edinburgh village.

Residents of the Village joined Executive Director and co-founder of the charity, Josh Littlejohn MBE, on a visit to the site which will soon become home for up to 16 people who have experienced homelessness.

The new location will bring with it a refresh of the Hub, the communal area for villagers to cook, gather and relax, and the introduction of seven new one-bedroom ‘Nest Houses’ which have been re-designed and improved, following resident feedback.

In March this year, Edinburgh Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the relocation of the Social Bite Village. As well as reviewing proposed plans, councillors were shown illustrations of the new community growing space from design company HOKO, and heard from Josh Littlejohn, Ewan Aitken and former resident Mary about the benefits of the village.

The new location is less than a mile from the old site and boasts extensive views of The Forth Bridges – a sight many former and current villagers have grown fond of during walks along the coastline.

The bespoke supported accommodation model has had proven success since the Edinburgh Village first opened in 2018. Charity partner and fellow homelessness prevention organisation, Cyrenians, will continue to deliver round-the-clock support. Cyrenians has been a key part of Social Bite’s work in supporting the reintegration of 100 people into the community by helping residents to develop skills and confidence.

Social Bite has worked closely with Cyrneians to secure West Shore Recreation Ground on the Granton Waterfront. The new site is suited not just to residents’ needs, such as proximity to transport links for going to work, college or shopping, but also offers what they want, including greenspace and walkability to the Granton seaside.

Residential volunteer Amber joined Josh Littlejohn on the visit to the new site. She said: “It’s going to be really good for wellbeing, being this close to the ocean. The site is really accessible for a walk with my dog, Leo. We often take him along the coast.

“I have lived at the Village since end of May 2025, which I’m very grateful for. I was interested in the opportunity to help others and see how such a village runs and supports people. It’s a very unique set up that I had not seen before.”

Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, said: “We always knew the village was originally built on a ‘meanwhile use’ site, so it’s great to see this relocation of the project taking shape on such a stunning seafront location. With diggers arriving and work beginning, it’s a really exciting time.

“As well as moving location, we are taking the opportunity to expand and improve the village by introducing seven of our newly designed Nest Houses, a new community hub and a community growing space.

“With many cities all over the UK declaring housing emergencies and becoming overly reliant on expensive, substandard temporary accommodation, we are really proud of the village project in demonstrating a better alternative that can also make use of innovative construction methods and ‘meanwhile’ land options.”

Amy Hutton, Director of Services at Cyrenians, said: “It is exciting to see this new chapter of the Social Bite Village begin in earnest.

“The community that Cyrenians and Social Bite have established in this area has made a profound difference to many people, and we are pleased that we will be able to continue this work just down the hill from the original location.

“We know from our projects which span the Southeast of Scotland, that stability, privacy, and community is a lifeline for those who have not been afforded that right, and I am pleased that we will be able to offer that support to more people as this project continues.”

The success of the Edinburgh Village serves as a blueprint for other similar projects planned by the charity. Its design offers people affected by homelessness living in unsupported temporary accommodation or other insecure housing a safe and supportive community in which to find a fresh start.

At the end of their time at the village, residents are supported in transitioning to permanent accommodation. So far, the Edinburgh Village has helped over 100 residents, many of whom have gone on to secure employment, reconnect with family, and move into their own permanent homes.

Work has begun thanks to the generous support of Social Bite’s industry partners, including Advance, GSS Developments. Detailed digital assets of the site have provided by HOKO Design – the Glasgow-based architecture practice founded by celebrity architect Danny Campbell – can be viewed here: Village relocation – planning drawings.

For more information on the Edinburgh Village, visit:

https://www.social-bite.co.uk/what-we-do/the-edinburgh-social-bite-village/

Social Bite Village on the move?

COUNCILLORS APPROVE RELOCATION TO NEW WATERFRONT SITE

Social Bite, renowned for its ground-breaking efforts to combat homelessness, has welcomed Edinburgh City Council’s approval of the relocation of the charity’s supported accommodation facility to a new site at Granton Waterfront.

Councillors voted in favour of the move, ensuring that support can continue for up to 16 residents at any given time. Each person who finds a home at the Village has experienced homelessness, and the supported accommodation aims to break the cycle by providing round-the-clock support and reintegration into community living.

Despite a recommendation by the Housing and Planning Committee to reject the proposal due to concerns about the site’s alignment with Edinburgh’s greenbelt targets, councillors unanimously overturned this recommendation.

They cited the charity’s excellent use of greenspace for community gardening—with 50% of the site committed to such purposes—noting that the Social Bite Village contributes to the city’s efforts to effectively use greenspace. Other comments of support highlighted the project’s “overriding benefit to the community and public.”

This significant vote to overturn the recommendation means the proposal will now be submitted to Scottish Government Ministers for a final decision.

The new site, which will continue to be managed by fellow homelessness charity Cyrenians, is less than a mile from the current Village in Granton.

It was selected following a resident survey that identified local amenities and greenspace as important factors, enabling residents to carry out daily tasks such as shopping and commuting to work. The proximity to the Granton seaside was also a key consideration.

The relocation will bring a refresh to the Hub, a communal area where residents can cook, gather, and relax. Additionally, the new location will introduce seven redesigned and improved one-bedroom “Nest Houses,” developed in response to resident feedback.

Social Bite and Cyrenians, which has managed the Village since its inception in 2018, have collaborated to ensure a smooth transition for current residents.

The decision to relocate was prompted by the planned end of the current lease on land donated by Edinburgh City Council, which is part of phase one of the Granton Waterfront development plans. The original lease term was five years and later extended by an additional two years.

The pre-fabricated houses were designed for easy relocation, allowing the charity to make use of a “meanwhile site” that would otherwise have been unoccupied. This adaptability is a key part of Social Bite’s innovative approach.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, said: “We’re thrilled that Edinburgh City Council has approved our planning application for the Social Bite Village today.

“We’d like to thank the councillors for visiting the proposed site and for suggesting a hearing to learn more about how this valuable project will contribute to the Granton regeneration programme.

“We look forward to the next stage and to working with Edinburgh City Council to make a real difference for people experiencing homelessness in Scotland today.”

At the end of their stay at the Village, residents receive support transitioning to permanent accommodation and employment. To date, the Edinburgh Village has helped over 120 residents, many of whom have secured jobs and moved into their own homes.

For more information on the Edinburgh Village, visit:

https://www.social-bite.co.uk/what-we-do/the-edinburgh-social-bite-village/

Social Bite village is on the move

Social Bite has submitted Planning Application to move Edinburgh Village to new waterfront location in Granton

The application lays out plans to continue the essential support the charity provides to those experiencing homelessness

Social Bite, renowned for its groundbreaking efforts to combat homelessness, has submitted a planning application to relocate its Edinburgh Social Bite Village to a picturesque spot north of West Shore Road on the Granton Waterfront. If approved, the move is scheduled to take place from early 2025.

The plans for the relocation, made in consultation with charity partner Cyrenians, will ensure up to 16 residents, at any one time, who have experienced homelessness will continue to enjoy a stable and supported communal way of living with the bonus of extensive views of The Forth Bridges across the water – a sight many former and current villagers have grown fond of.

The new location would bring with it a refresh of the Hub, the communal area for villagers to cook, gather and relax. Additionally, the new location will see the phased introduction of seven new one-bedroom ‘Nest Houses’ which have been re-designed and improved, following resident feedback.

Social Bite and charity partner Cyrenians, a homelessness prevention organisation which has managed the village since its inception in 2018, have worked closely to ensure all relocation plans provide a smooth transition for current residents. Feedback from residents has also informed the choice of location.

The new site is less than a mile along the road and has been chosen as a great new location after the resident survey revealed the local amenities and greenspace in the area were important to those living there, allowing them to fulfil their daily tasks such as shopping and going to work, as well proximity to the charming Granton seaside.

The decision to relocate from the current area in Granton has been prompted by the planned end of the current contract for the land, donated by Edinburgh City Council, with the current location forming part of phase one of the Granton Waterfront development plans.

The lease-term was originally for four years and later extended by two additional years. The pre-fabricated houses were designed in a way that they can be easily relocated, enabling the charity to make use of a ‘meanwhile site,’ which would otherwise have been unoccupied.

This was a key part of Social Bite’s innovative approach.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, said: “The security and happiness of our residents always comes first, so we’ve worked with those living at the village and the Cyrenians to make sure they feel assured and have a chance to voice what they want and need from any move we make.

“The new site we’re entering an application for is a combination of all the best bits from our current position in Granton, with added greenspace, sea views and the introduction of some newly designed Nest Houses to meet our resident’s needs.

“The village is an important part of the North Edinburgh community and will continue to be a vibrant asset to that part of the city. We’re hopeful that our planning application is approved, and we can move forward quickly for the sake of the people who we provide accommodation for.”

Ewan Aitken, Chief Executive of Cyrenians, said: “Edinburgh is facing an acute shortage of supported housing for people experiencing homelessness.

“We are absolutely committed to working with the local authority to secure a new site which will allow us to continue to offer relationship-based support that makes a lasting difference to people facing homelessness in Edinburgh.”

The success of the Edinburgh Village serves as a blueprint for other similar projects planned by the charity. Its design offers those living in unsupported temporary accommodations, shelters, or B&Bs, and in need of help to break the cycle of homelessness, a safe and supportive community to be a part of.

At the end of their time at the village, residents are supported in transitioning to permanent accommodation and employment. So far, the Edinburgh Village has helped over 100 residents, many of whom have gone on to secure employment and move into their own permanent homes.

For more information on the Edinburgh Village, visit:

https://www.social-bite.co.uk/what-we-do/the-edinburgh-social-bite-village/

Change Waste Recycling to provide funding for Social Bite village as part of new partnership with Social Bite

The three-year partnership will include over £62k of funding, support and jobs for people experiencing homelessness in the UK

Change Waste Recycling, a leading waste and resource management company, has announced a three-year partnership with Social Bite, a charity dedicated to ending homelessness in Scotland and across the UK.

Under a new ownership structure, Change Waste Recycling has chosen a new charity partner. The decision to partner with Social Bite was made after careful consideration by its leadership team and 55 dedicated staff members. This choice was motivated by the recognition of several key synergies between the two organisations.

Change Waste Recycling, which provides award-winning recycling and waste management services, and Social Bite who provide homes, jobs, food, and support to empower people to transform their own lives, both share Scottish roots and have grown nationally, to drive change, challenge the status quo, and provide innovative, high-quality solutions for issues within environmental and social sectors.

The partnership will see Change Waste Recycling raise over £62k for Social Bite across three years, to help deliver some of Social Bite’s ambitious projects including the plan to build two new Social Bite Villages.

Since the partnership launched, Change Waste has also employed someone through Social Bite’s Jobs First programme which provides supported employment for people who have experienced homelessness.

Employees at the organisation are participating in Social Bite’s year-round campaign initiatives, including its annual Christmas campaign – Festival of Kindness – which aims to provide hot Christmas meals and gifts to people most in need over the winter months.

Further to financial and fundraising support, the organisations will be working together to provide training to Change Waste’s drivers, empowering employees on what to do in a situation where a driver suspects someone needs immediate aid and support. Change Waste Recycling will be branding the company’s fleet of vehicles, to raise national awareness of the partnership and its support of Social Bite’s mission to end homelessness.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, co-founder and Executive Director of Social Bite, expressed his gratitude for the partnership, saying: “We’re incredibly thankful to the Change Waste Recycling team for their decision to partner with Social Bite.

“We’ve seen how powerful partnerships like these can be for providing real lasting change and we couldn’t be prouder to partner with a company that shares similar values and believes in a brighter future. The partnership will play a huge role in the support we provide to people experiencing homelessness “

Forbes Connor, CEO at Change Waste Recycling, echoed this excitement, stating: “We’ve admired the inspirational and transformative work Social Bite does for a long time now, so to have the opportunity to support them over the next three years is something we’re very proud of.

“Social Bite has such a positive impact on the lives of so many people, and I’m thrilled that the team and I will be able to support this important cause.”

For more information about Social Bite and how to get involved, please visit:

https://www.social-bite.co.uk/ .

For more information about Change Waste Recycling, please visit:

https://changewasterecycling.co.uk/ .

Social Bite Founder, Josh Littlejohn MBE, publishes his first book

Dame Helen Mirren and Martin Compston are among those celebrating the book launched on Thursday 17^th August

Leading social entrepreneur Josh Littlejohn MBE who has spearheaded initiatives that have raised over £25 million to help end homelessness, and can count George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio as supporters, has launched his first book, Paying It Forward: How to Be a Social Entrepreneur.

Paying It Forward, which is part memoir, part manifesto for social entrepreneurship, and part manual for putting purpose ahead of profit, has already gained praise from early readers including Sir Bob Geldof, novelist Irvine Welsh, film director Richard Curtis CBE, Olympian Sir Chris Hoy and actors Martin Compston and Dame Helen Mirren.

In the book labelled ‘an essential read for our times’ by Richard Curtis CBE, Josh gives practical advice and guidance to those looking to enter the world of social entrepreneurship and shares inspirational stories from homeless people he has met over the last decade.

Josh also shares his personal story, exploring the ups and downs of founding and growing Social Bite – from opening a string of cafés, to creating a village to house homeless people, and staging fundraising ‘sleep outs’ all over the world.

Celebrating the launch in Social Bite’s original café in Edinburgh, Josh Littlejohn said: “I’m thrilled to launch my first ever book, Paying it Forward, which tells my story and chronicles all of the ups and downs, trials and tribulations, and humour of life as a social entrepreneur.

“I hope it offers practical lessons to inspire anyone interested in using their own skills to make a difference in the world. Most importantly,

“I hope it shines a light on the remarkable people I have met over the years from homeless backgrounds who inspire me every day. It’s been a pleasure to work with the team at Heligo Books on Paying it Forward and I’m so excited for people to read the book.”

Josh began working on the homelessness issue when he co-founded a small café in Edinburgh in 2012 and a young homeless man named Peter Hart plucked up the courage to go in and ask for a job.

This chance moment inspired a social enterprise that now operates six cafes in Scotland and London, offering jobs and food to homeless and vulnerable people.

In 2018, Josh and his team launched the Social Bite Village, a purpose-built community providing homes which has so far helped to house almost 100 people. In 2019, Josh launched ‘The World’s Big Sleepout’, with events in over 52 cities around the globe, and 60,000 people sleeping out in the world’s largest ever display of solidarity for homeless and displaced people.

Josh has so far helped raise over £25 million for charitable and homelessness causes and received an MBE from the Queen. He has received a Pride of Britain Award, a Robert Burns Humanitarian Award, five honorary doctorates and he also been included in Debrett’s list of the most influential people in the UK.