StreetSmart: Fifteen years of fine dining and helping the homeless in Leeds

StreetSmart started out in Leeds back in 2003 with just a handful of eateries taking part after the then-head chef at Harvey Nichols wanted to make people aware of the city’s growing homeless problem.

And the department store’s Fourth Floor Restaurant and Espresso Bar continues to back the scheme to this day which raises much needed money for St George’s Crypt, Caring for Life and Leeds Women’s Aid.

The 2018 campaign was launched at the beginning of the month, where customers can add just £1 to their bill when dining at the 13 eateries taking part. It all goes to the three organisations and Phil Lockwood, the hospitality manager said: “We are really keen to continue it and it is a good way to interact with our customers.

“Times have changed and giving money to the people that need it the most can be confusing, so having a system like this where we can explain where it goes and it is to local charities is why it is so successful.”

Having seen the campaign at work other restaurants are also wanting to get involved and Stockdales is new to the table this year.

It has been open in Leeds for three years and staff had seen the StreetSmart scheme in other parts of the country and signed up.

Restaurant manager Laura Evans said: “With Christmas being our busiest time of year we will make some money.

“We have settled with the organisation of the restaurant and wanted to get more involved with Leeds charities.”