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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:
Nanny0gg · 24/09/2024 19:59

Outofthere · 24/09/2024 19:10

In the past I’ve done a big Greek salad, humus, tapenade and onion and garlic dips, pittas in the toaster and sliced, falafel, breadsticks, posh snacks, cake bites. Possibly cheaper than shop bought sandwiches?

Has the OP got time for all that?

harrumphh · 24/09/2024 19:58

amidsummernightsdream · 24/09/2024 19:06

Thanks everyone!

I am planning to make a homemade soup to tonight but I don't know, that just didnt feel right for a meeting.

Sandwiches and crisps seem to be the consensus.
I can drive to m&s in the morning although timings will be tight.

I knew I was being tight/ lazy, I promise im not usually but i'm just exhausted right now and looking for short cuts!

Do you know their dietary requirements and allergies?

There's always someone who's a gluten free vegan, someone who is aghast at fruit, someone who will keel over if there's a sausage in their presence.

Hayley1256 · 24/09/2024 19:58

I would get some ready made sandwiches and wraps from m&s, crisps and biscuits.

halava · 24/09/2024 19:57

Ah don't overthink it. Some bought pre made mixed sandwiches (if halved cut into quarters!), a bowl of crisps, and tea and some biscuit bars or something like that.

I doubt you are a meanie, just knackered, but NOT providing anything will give you a bit of a black mark, and it's for YOUR clients. An army can't march on an empty stomach.

Get the vittles in as my Dad used to say, although I think the posh spelling is victuals actually ahem!

TheThreeCheesesOfTheApocalypse44 · 24/09/2024 19:56

My boss ordered everyone bacon and sausage buns this morning, probably cost him less than 30 quid and made him extremely popular 🤣🤣🤣

PyongyangKipperbang · 24/09/2024 19:56

Justme2023123 · 24/09/2024 18:38

Would they give you lunch if they were the ones running a meeting around lunchtime?

@amidsummernightsdream

This is the key thing for me.

If they wouldnt and most places I know wouldnt, then you dont need to offer them.

Dont confuse a business meeting in your home with "hosting". It is still your workplace.

feathermucker · 24/09/2024 19:53

How many people? Probably makes a difference to the answers people give.

Othergirlswereneverquitelikethis · 24/09/2024 19:53

amidsummernightsdream · 24/09/2024 19:06

Thanks everyone!

I am planning to make a homemade soup to tonight but I don't know, that just didnt feel right for a meeting.

Sandwiches and crisps seem to be the consensus.
I can drive to m&s in the morning although timings will be tight.

I knew I was being tight/ lazy, I promise im not usually but i'm just exhausted right now and looking for short cuts!

I think soup might be a bit tricky to eat while working. You want to eat it fairly quickly before it goes cold but to eat some you need to have it right in front of you to avoid spilling! Sandwiches are easier to multi task - you can still have a laptop in front of you and take the odd bite.

It doesn’t need to be a fancy platter from M&S though! A local bakery or even the meal deal sandwiches from a local supermarket (cut them in half again so they’re little triangles and pop on a plate) would be fine - no one will know!

greengreyblue · 24/09/2024 19:51

I’d probably bring my own lunch if you haven’t mentioned it by now. People need to plan.

midlifeattheoasis · 24/09/2024 19:51

Yes I would just buy some packets of sandwiches and cut them into smaller triangles and put on large plates/platters with some nice crisps like Tyrells.

IsThisCluttered · 24/09/2024 19:50

I agree you need to provide lunch but also agree that you should not serve soup. I would give that a hard pass.

Alwaystired2023 · 24/09/2024 19:49

I don't think you need to provide lunch - the meeting will finish around 1330? Perfect time for people to go and get their lunch. I wouldn't expect someone coming to provide consulting services in a professional office to lug lunch with them?

DaniMontyRae · 24/09/2024 19:48

AgnesX · 24/09/2024 19:40

Coffee and biscuits will be fine. We only offer lunch if it's a lunchtime meeting (eg 12-2) or a whole day meeting.

It is a lunchtime meeting. 10.30 to 1.30 or longer.

HighPrecisionGhosts · 24/09/2024 19:47

We'd not get lunch for a 1.30pm finish. Might do if 2pm.

I'd just get lots of pastries/brioche/cookies fruit/ juice/coffee.

Pastachocolate · 24/09/2024 19:46

Definitely need to provide something if you haven’t already given notice to bring their own lunch.

Clarinetiu · 24/09/2024 19:46

Subway platters delivered are your friend

Xmasbaby11 · 24/09/2024 19:45

I think you're right to pop out and grab sandwiches etc. They may not suit everyone but it's a nice gesture. Also it will create a short break which I think is a good idea in a 3h plus meeting.

HunterHearstHelmsley · 24/09/2024 19:44

amidsummernightsdream · 24/09/2024 19:06

Thanks everyone!

I am planning to make a homemade soup to tonight but I don't know, that just didnt feel right for a meeting.

Sandwiches and crisps seem to be the consensus.
I can drive to m&s in the morning although timings will be tight.

I knew I was being tight/ lazy, I promise im not usually but i'm just exhausted right now and looking for short cuts!

Do a Tesco Whoosh order! Easier than going out if time is short.

HollyKnight · 24/09/2024 19:40

Do not serve soup at a business meeting...

A sandwich platter and some buns are more appropriate with tea and coffee options.

AgnesX · 24/09/2024 19:40

Coffee and biscuits will be fine. We only offer lunch if it's a lunchtime meeting (eg 12-2) or a whole day meeting.

Skyrainlight · 24/09/2024 19:37

You definitely need to provide lunch if you are holding a meeting over lunchtime, which you are.

Demonhunter · 24/09/2024 19:33

Subway do platters and are available any time of day for delivery.

EI12 · 24/09/2024 19:22

Every shop and cafe offer pre-made trays, catering for every whim. Not that dear. Saves a lot of faffing around. That and limitless tea and coffee could pass as 'lunch'. And a tin of biscuits.

sunnydayhereandnow · 24/09/2024 19:17

The "right" food depends on the people and situation, but when I had a lunchtime work meeting at my house I bought a loaf of nice bread, butter, smoked salmon, cheese, tomatoes and cucumber (sliced both of the latter) and people made their own sandwiches. I also supplied tea and biscuits on arrival.

tothelefttotheleft · 24/09/2024 19:12

beasmithwentworth · 24/09/2024 18:39

My neighbour had this exact situation last week. She went to m and s and bought sandwiches. Cut into triangles and put a couple of bowls of crisps / snacks out. Anything like that is fine if you have shops nearby?

That must have been expensive.