To have lunch when men are working in my house

[partdeux]

That's it basically, i have workmen in doing a job that's likely taking all day.
What's the etiquette in terms of lunch?
I have made them tea but do i need to offer lunch if I'm eating it?
I was going to eat leftovers from last nights dinner so there isn't actually enough.

They will be passing through the kitchen every time they go out to get stuff from the van etc
So I can't eat secretly

[TooOldForThisWhoCares]

No! Tea and biscuits is more than enough!

[partdeux]

Oh and I'm starving so please answer me quick

[Sunkist12]

No! Don't worry about them OP. Tea,coffee, drinks and biscuits are more than enough

[FissionChips]

Just eat your food, don’t offer any.

[RayRayBidet]

Of course you don't need to offer lunch

[DeadBod]

I once ate sandwiches in my bedroom when I had workmen in. They brought their own pack up with them but I still felt awkward

[partdeux]

Wow that WAS quick!

[girlywhirly]

Workmen make their own arrangements for meals and you don’t need to feed them. Tea/coffee and water are all acceptable while they are there.

[TooTrueToBeGood]

Just eat, no issue. They'll not be expecting lunch and no crew of ass-crack exposing workies has ever walked off a job because the householder didn't invite them to share their leftovers.

[KlutzyDraconequus]

They'll be off for a greasy frynup about 1pm and that'll be them done for the day.

[MadisonAvenue]

I only ever give tea or coffee (or a cold drink if they prefer). I feel awkward if I make myself lunch though.

[partdeux]

Ok thanks
Still feel awkward but I'm going to have to eat.
I totally forgot to offer biscuits when they had their tea break

[averylongtimeago]

No one has ever fed DH at work except when he was working in a v posh restaurant. Builders and the like take their own pack up. Access to a kettle is always appreciated though!

[OverTheHedgeSammy]

I made a few cups of tea for the builders if I was making one for myself, but generally I made sure they had tea and coffee making supplies easily available, and I bought a few packets of cheap biscuits in for them to help themselves to.

[pinkmagic1]

I always offer to make them a sandwich although normally they bring their own. I think it's polite to ask though.
Where dh is originally from it is customary and expected to offer workman a full cooked dinner!

[Junkmail]

I had workmen here a few weeks ago landscaping the garden and they took an hours lunch break and went off and got themselves something so don’t worry about not offering—I don’t think it’s expected. When I was getting something I just offered them tea/coffee/drink and I think that’s fine.

[user1483390742]

Take it up to your room!

[WeeMadArthur]

We had the garden done earlier this year and had two workmen in for a few days. Each day they turned up with nothing, not even a Mars bar to keep them going. I’m happy to provide regular tea and biscuits but they were expecting lunch! Luckily DH is nicer than me and popped to Greggs for them. I still can’t believe that grown men turn up to work without providing their own lunch!

[Rebecca36]

They usually go to a local cafe for lunch (all day breakfasts and the like). No of course you don't provide lunch, only tea and coffee and biccies.

Personally I would go out, don't like the idea of being in the house with people working. They get on better without you there too. They know where the kettle is.

If you have to be in and feel awkward eating lunch, could you not put it on a tray and take it into a room where they're not working?

[Butterymuffin]

In my experience they come and ask you where the nearest chippy is and go there.

[LollyPopsApple]

Totally fine not to offer any food! Do you expect your workplace to offer meals when you’re at work? Even less so when you’re just doing a bit of work there and it’s not actually your permanent workplace? :P

I’d offer tea and coffee and have a few cold drinks available (fizzy cans or water) as it’s polite but that’s not expected either. Absolutely no need to feel guilty for eating your lunch.

[LollyPopsApple]

WeeMadArthur they were having you on love, wondering what they could get away with 😂 can’t believe your DH fell for it and went and got them lunch!

[PhilomenaButterfly]

YANBU. DH is an ex-decorator and would never have expected lunch. He'd bring a packed one.

[LeftRightCentre]

I just leave out kettle, tea, coffee, sugar, milk and some biscuits and leave them to it. Would never provide lunch.

[PhilomenaButterfly]

DH said his mate's wife did used to cook them breakfast, but she was very kind, and they'd never have expected it.