A COFFEE shop in Glasgow that is dedicated to employing those with a background of homelessness is celebrating its one-year anniversary.
The Social Bite coffee shop in Buchanan Galleries started as a small sandwich shop in Edinburgh in 2012 and has now grown as a force in helping to break cycles of homelessness in Scotland and across the UK.
Since opening in April 2023, the charity has served an incredible 21,823 meals to vulnerable people in Glasgow, and has received visits from Hollywood superstars Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney.
This was made possible in part thanks to the generous donations from more than 6,000 people in Glasgow who chose to engage in the charity’s pay it forward programme in the last year.
Every Wednesday from 4-5pm, the shop offers free sit-in suppers to provide vulnerable people or those experiencing homelessness an opportunity to access support and socialise.
Mel Swan, commercial operations director at Social Bite said: “It’s been a fantastic first year for us so far. The kindness of Glaswegians has really blown us away.
“Often, they come in and pay it forward on their way to work, even before the shop is open. These donations help to provide support for vulnerable people.”
The coffee shop boasts an impressive spring menu including filled bagels, fresh salads and artisan baking.
Coffee lovers are also treated to organic, fair-trade triple certified beans from renowned roaster Matthew Algie, with all members of the shop’s team undergoing barista training to ensure the perfect beverage is served.
Andy, a regular Social Bite volunteer since the Glasgow coffee shop opened, said: “Social Bite didn’t change my life, it saved my life.
“Now I try to do the same for others. As a volunteer, it’s all about the people coming through the door – it’s the joy that comes form the interaction and getting to know people.”
