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AIBU?

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Original poster

To not offer lunch?

181 replies

amidsummernightsdream · 24/09/2024 18:36

I'm self employed in a consulting type role. I usually hold meetings at clients' offices.
Tomorrow, due to logistics, im holding a 3 hour meeting at my house, starting at 10.30.
(However could potentially run a little longer)

Would I be unressonable to not offer lunch?
I feel like I would be but I've left it last min and I cant think what!

If I did, it would need minimal to no prep and something that we could eat while working.

Can I get away with just tea and cake?

OP posts:
soundsys · 24/09/2024 21:05

"Thing is, most people (adults) eat lunch about 1/1.30 so if you are almost done the meeting it might be super annoying to stop everyone to get the lunch out! It will make the meeting DRAG on. Whereas, hiya coffee and biscuits/fruit, you can get the meeting out the way and people can go elsewhere for lunch"

Agree with this. Think 1.30 is the cut off - if the meeting was going until 2 I feel like you'd need to break for lunch. 1.30 as long as there fruit/biscuits and water/tea/coffee I think you're good

Vettrianofan · 24/09/2024 20:59

Pot noodle each from B&Ms - sorted. Cup of tea and some teacakes. Easy.

Mumofoneandone · 24/09/2024 20:57

If not too late, probably fine to have some nice coffee and biscuits with those timings!

Original poster
amidsummernightsdream · 24/09/2024 20:56

Yes I will be going to m&s, I think they're the only passble shop bought sandwiches in the area

It's only a petrol station one but they usually have a good selection.

@mum2jenny I would but dh is out tonight so I can't leave the house as dd is in bed.

I should have thought ahead earlier, I could have gone on my way home!
I can only think of what's right infront of me at the moment

OP posts:
ThinWomansBrain · 24/09/2024 20:54

ITSU do large platters if you're close enough to deliveroo.
Lunch the other day worked out at jsut over £5 a head.

Ozanj · 24/09/2024 20:51

M&S do small sandwich platters, fruit kebabs and you should have tea / coffee / biscuits?

Mum2jenny · 24/09/2024 20:48

You could get the sandwiches tonight as they can have a reasonable expiry. It’ll save you time tomorrow.

Asleeponthejob · 24/09/2024 20:47

MattDamon · 24/09/2024 20:41

If it's only one person, message them and say, 'Thought I'd grab some M&S sandwiches for lunch. Any preference?'

I thought this was the new normal … or Tesco or Lidl or whichever is closest

mondayawoos · 24/09/2024 20:45

PixieLaLar · 24/09/2024 20:40

Omg no not soup, the thought of people slurping away on soup during a meeting makes me feel ick!

I would go for the sandwich option, or as PP suggested you could just say bring a packed lunch then you don’t have to worry about dietary requirements.

This. Awful suggestion.

HoppityBun · 24/09/2024 20:45

Not lunch, no. But you’ll all benefit from a short loo/ coffee break half way through and I’d let them know at the beginning that that’s what you’re going to do. Coffee, tea, bananas, good quality biscuits, some cheese squares, a few protein bars. Dairy and non dairy milk. Get stuff you’ll enjoy finishing up yourself, afterwards

AspirationalTallskinnylatte · 24/09/2024 20:44

amidsummernightsdream · 24/09/2024 20:38

@DryBiscuit i know you'd think so but after the longest day, I honestly really did need mumsnet to tell me to go to the shop and buy some sandwiches

This just really made me chuckle!
Hope the meeting goes well. I want crisps now.

TheCoralDog · 24/09/2024 20:44

amidsummernightsdream · 24/09/2024 18:36

I'm self employed in a consulting type role. I usually hold meetings at clients' offices.
Tomorrow, due to logistics, im holding a 3 hour meeting at my house, starting at 10.30.
(However could potentially run a little longer)

Would I be unressonable to not offer lunch?
I feel like I would be but I've left it last min and I cant think what!

If I did, it would need minimal to no prep and something that we could eat while working.

Can I get away with just tea and cake?

Thing is, most people (adults) eat lunch about 1/1.30 so if you are almost done the meeting it might be super annoying to stop everyone to get the lunch out! It will make the meeting DRAG on. Whereas, hiya coffee and biscuits/fruit, you can get the meeting out the way and people can go elsewhere for lunch

NetZeroZealot · 24/09/2024 20:43

If it’s just one person you need to set expectations. In this scenario if I was the client/guest I would not expect anything unless I’d been told in advance and would have a muesli bar before the meeting and then bug my lunch on the run afterwards.

MattDamon · 24/09/2024 20:41

If it's only one person, message them and say, 'Thought I'd grab some M&S sandwiches for lunch. Any preference?'

ChipsnGraveee · 24/09/2024 20:41

I think if you don’t already know about any dietary requirements then the just eat / subway or similar idea is a great one so they can choose their own food.

PixieLaLar · 24/09/2024 20:40

Omg no not soup, the thought of people slurping away on soup during a meeting makes me feel ick!

I would go for the sandwich option, or as PP suggested you could just say bring a packed lunch then you don’t have to worry about dietary requirements.

DryBiscuit · 24/09/2024 20:40

amidsummernightsdream · 24/09/2024 20:38

@DryBiscuit i know you'd think so but after the longest day, I honestly really did need mumsnet to tell me to go to the shop and buy some sandwiches

Fair enough

Just get a couple of options of sandwiches
Cheese, and a ham maybe
Buy 2 bottles of water and a bottle of juice
Throw some packets of crisps on the table
Job done

NetZeroZealot · 24/09/2024 20:40

OP, if it’s only one person you don’t need to go to any trouble. Just offer them a home-made sandwich.
They might prefer to buy their own lunch after the meeting.
”I’ve got ham & cheese in the fridge. Would you like to break for a quick lunch during the meeting “ is all you need to say.
Dont overthink things.

Original poster
amidsummernightsdream · 24/09/2024 20:38

@DryBiscuit i know you'd think so but after the longest day, I honestly really did need mumsnet to tell me to go to the shop and buy some sandwiches

OP posts:
BobbyBiscuits · 24/09/2024 20:37

If you're not within reasonable walking distance of a couple cafes/pubs/takeaways then I guess just buying in a few bits.
Literally a couple baguettes, some bagged salad, coleslaw, potato salad and some packaged chicken, cheese and salami, hummus, Quorn 'ham'?
Or just politely say tea/coffee and biscuits supplied but pls bring own lunch.

Original poster
amidsummernightsdream · 24/09/2024 20:36

@LlynTegid I'm guessing you don't work for yourself?

OP posts:
Outofthere · 24/09/2024 20:36

NetZeroZealot · 24/09/2024 20:16

That is way OTT for a business meeting.
unless your business is catering.

Show quote history

How exactly? Maybe it’s because I’m Greek and would have some of this in?! But this is a 15 minute no trouble thing. I’d bet I could make this in less time than open packets and cut sandwiches that others are saying!

HaddawayAndShite · 24/09/2024 20:35

I'd maybe provide something small biscuits, fruit, maybe croissants or something if you're trying to secure a client but 1.30pm isn't super late. I would be prepared to go into this meeting expecting to grab a slightly later lunch. Plus allergies, dietary requirements etc might be a minefield.

DryBiscuit · 24/09/2024 20:35

One person. Gosh thats super easy

TeenLifeMum · 24/09/2024 20:33

Definitely feeling my nhs years - jug of water and some digestive biscuits would be a treat 😂