Stephen Jones has been homeless for more than three years

Throughout the year, a bus usually serves up meals at various locations around the city.

Now a host of top restaurants have taken over the service until Christmas Eve, with curry, Japanese noodles and carrot soup all on the menu.

But there was a mixed reaction from some homeless people to the menu so far.

Karen Butler, who has helped organise the scheme, said she thought it was a good way to introduce people to alternative food.

"It's great the community is coming together and doing something positive," she said.

MENU Monday: Chicken and sweetcorn soup Tuesday: Carrot soup Wednesday: Pasta and bolognese sauce Thursday: Noodles Friday: Chicken curry and rice with mince pies

"Homelessness isn't just the responsibility of the government. I think it's the responsibility of everyone."

Restaurants participating in the scheme include Da Venditto, Topo Gigio, The Thai House, Court Coleman Manor, Le Gallois, Pearl of the Orient and Japanese restaurants Zushi and Izakaya.

Arlene Ramasut, from the Thai House, said the idea behind it was to give something back to the community.

"Christmas is when we are at our busiest and we do quite well," she said.

"We are hoping to make this scheme an annual event and shall be serving chicken curry and rice to the needy."

One of the homeless people at the bus, Michael Thomas, said there was "a lovely atmosphere" and the soup tasted "wonderful".

But 32-year-old Stephen Jones, who has been living on the streets for three and a half years, was less impressed.

The homeless will have the chance to sample a variety of food

"I think a lot of the people were disappointed with the scheme as so far it has only served soup," he said.

Normally the council-run 'blue bus' had burgers and hot dogs on the menu.

Mr Jones said that, despite the attention homelessness receives at Christmas, it is a year-long problem.

He explained how he had ended up homeless after losing his job as a baker and falling in with the wrong crowd.

"I feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel," he said.

"On most days I roam the streets as there is nothing else to do. Recently I went to the library as I was shattered from walking around so much. I fell asleep in the library and was thrown out by one of the security guards."

Mr Jones added: "My family aren't aware that I've been living on the street. I am hoping to see them for a few hours on Christmas," he added.

On Tuesday, Social Justice Minister Edwina Hart was on hand to help give out carrot soup.

Ms Hart said she thought it was "very generous of the restaurateurs" to get involved with the bus.