To not pay for my friends lunch

[Auroraspyjamas]

Friend lives about an hour and a half drive away. She came to visit and meet our new baby. We had agreed in advance we’d go out for lunch with our partners and the baby,

When it came to pay the bill we split it and paid separately but I wondered if perhaps I should have offered to pay for their food as they were visiting us and had done the drive, petrol etc.
What do you think? What’s the done thing in this situation?

I’m on mat leave and a bit cash poor at the moment, as background.

so was I rude? AIBU?

Not rude at all...don't overthink it she knows your on mat leave.

No, why would you pay for your friends lunch? That’s not something normal in my friendship group nor is it normal to cook lunch or dinner for a friend, we just go out explore the area so we can all have a nice time/ relax and not worry about slaving away at a stove or cleaning up.

Op didn’t invite them out for lunch though, she invited them to her home, it was then the friend that suggested lunch out so I don’t think OP should have to pay

I always pay when my friend comes to visit me . Especially if they’re travelling

I think it’s just general hosting

What do you normally do? Most of the time if I go for lunch with a friend we just generally split the bill. I do have a friend who lives quite far away if she comes over to me and we go out I tend to pay and if I go over to her she tends to pay.It's not a set rule though it's just the way it's worked out. I'm sure your friend was absolutely fine about it just happy to see the baby. congratulations