A waiter prepare tables before homeless people enter to have a free dinner at Robin Hood restaurant (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images)

A waiter prepare tables before homeless people enter to have a free dinner at Robin Hood restaurant (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images)

Father Angel 79 poses for a portrait outside Robin Hood restaurant Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images)

A restaurant in Madrid has become the hottest seat in town after landing on a unique idea - charging customers at breakfast and lunch to cover the bill for homeless diners in the evenings.

The Robin Hood restaurant has attracted top-class staff, celeb chefs and it is booked until the end of March according to NPR who visited the outlet recently,

Homeless and needy diners are treated to the same service as the paying customers who eat there earlier in the day.

The idea is the brainchild of a priest Ángel García Rodriguez, who is known as "Padre Ángel."

"I want them to eat with the same dignity as any other customer," he told the broadcaster.

"And the same quality, with glasses made of crystal, not plastic, and in an atmosphere of friendship and conversation."

He has also converted a nearby church to a community centre.

An example of the dishes served at dinner include mushroom consommé, roast turkey and potatoes and pudding for dessert.

Patrons of the restaurant are free to sing, use the free wifi and make a call if necessary.

Around 100 people are fed each night at the Robin Hood restuarant.

Online Editors