Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Fundays12 · 24/09/2024 19:10

You really need to provide some lunch if your organised a meeting over lunch time

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?

BlueMum16 · 24/09/2024 19:08

I'm going against the grain here and wouldn't expect lunch and wouldn't eat it if offered. Too complicated around dietary requirements and allergies too

Id probably bring my own sandwich and eat it others did.

I would accept coffee and biscuits.

Original poster
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!

OP posts:
Ponderingwindow · 24/09/2024 19:02

People will need lunch. You can arrange a lunch break, order in, or provide food.

if you provide food, you need to ask about allergies in advance. It’s amazing how easy it is for every single item provided to contain an allergen.

DaisyChain505 · 24/09/2024 18:59

If you don’t want to provide lunch at least get in some croissants, pastries etc and biscuits to go with tea and coffee.

This should keep people full until they leave and requires no cooking or fuss.

GrandHighPoohbah · 24/09/2024 18:58

Deliveroo all the way!

sunsetsandboardwalks · 24/09/2024 18:55

Yes, you absolutely need to provide something to eat.

cuckooooooo · 24/09/2024 18:55

cannynotsay · 24/09/2024 18:49

Don't be so tight and lazy, provide lunch if you want to keep clients

Agreed

Hatty65 · 24/09/2024 18:54

I'd expect lunch for a 3 hour meeting at this time - particularly if it might run over.

To be honest, 10.30 - 12.30 is plenty - break for lunch - and then people can probably manage another hour or so. 3 hours non stop over lunchtime is too much.

I'd make a huge pot of soup probably and provide rolls/sandwiches. But people will expect something I think.

mindutopia · 24/09/2024 18:54

Yes, I think you need to provide lunch. When my boss who is vegan and eats like a rabbit does this, she gets falafel, salad, hummus and wraps with fresh fruit and biscuits, which works really well if you get enough to go around (not her miserly portions of two falafel per person 🙄). I’d get some good drinks as well in cans.

StressedQueen · 24/09/2024 18:53

Yes provide lunch. You can do something super easy and don't have to cook but food for 3 hours during a period of lunchtime is needed

countrysidelife2024 · 24/09/2024 18:53

Id at least expect some light snacks and sandwiches at that time, maybe sandwich platter and some crisps and biscuits with tea and coffee

underused · 24/09/2024 18:51

Yes YABU. The timing of it is unfortunate but it won't cost much to get a few take out sandwiches/snacks in?

cannynotsay · 24/09/2024 18:49

Don't be so tight and lazy, provide lunch if you want to keep clients

Prisonpillow · 24/09/2024 18:49

I’d be very fidgety. Selection of supermarket ready made sandwiches, crisps and fruit would be fine.

BeMintBee · 24/09/2024 18:49

Justme2023123 · 24/09/2024 18:38

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

Good question and that would probably sway it.

if you don’t want to do lunch could you have coffee, pastries, fruit on arrival instead?

Doltontweedle · 24/09/2024 18:48

I agree some sort of sandwich platter and some crisps

snoopyfanaccountant · 24/09/2024 18:48

My boss sometimes has meetings in the office over lunchtime and his PA goes to M&S for sandwiches, mini pork pies, cocktail sausages, cherry tomatoes, crisps, pastries, fruit juice, etc.

SmallSoupcon · 24/09/2024 18:48

Why don't you say "I thought we could Deliveroo some lunch" then it takes the pressure off you and means you don't have to pay for it all yourself either.

MyBigFatGreekSalad · 24/09/2024 18:48

I'd order dominoes😂

Supersoakers · 24/09/2024 18:48

Just be sure to let them know either way so- please bring your own lunch, or I’ll be providing some food to keep us going.
you do need to eat though.
having lunch provided makes everything a bit more fun!

stackhead · 24/09/2024 18:45

Just eat delivery from subway? They do sandwich platters.

Cantalever · 24/09/2024 18:45

Smoked salmon, some cheese, tomatoes and crusty bread?

Pooeyskewy · 24/09/2024 18:43

Go to supermarket and get a selection of sandwiches,salad bowls crisps and a cake.