The business lunch, once a casualty of the pandemic, has seen a revival as Opentable highlighted in mid-2023. This initial resurgence marked phase one of the recovery as the broader trend towards remote work significantly lessened the lunchtime crowd despite burgeoning bookings post covid.
Now the second phase is underway, with many employers backtracking on remote working policy. From June, Asos, Barclays, Boots and Deutsche Bank are all encouraging workers back into the office prompting a significant uptick in the London workforce seeking lunch spots.
New figures from Opentable show an increase in lunchtime dining across the UK, with a 9 per cent increase at 12pm and an 11 per cent increase at 1pm between January and June this year, compared to the same period last year.
Plume bar is seeing an increase in appetite from professionals seeking efficient work meetings but also those wanting to reconnect with friends following a hiatus and has responded by introducing a ‘power hour’ lunch.
The power hour menu, with its £14 fixed price runs from Monday to Friday 12-3pm and includes a glass of wine and Golden Boy or Bacon Boy sandwich inspired by its popularity in New York City. Other options include hot honey halloumi, beef or aubergine flat bread with chips or a side salad. All menu items are served within twenty minutes with the promise of a complimentary glass of wine if the service exceeds the time limit.
The concept is a strategic move to balance the demand for both productivity and social interaction in the current business climate.
Head of food for Plume, Rob Wade comments: “There’s a noticeable shift among the younger demographic, showing a preference for moderation in alcohol, with a trend towards less booze-heavy lunches. Nonetheless, thank goodness the appreciation for a premium cocktail or a select glass of wine during lunch persists.
“As time becomes increasingly valuable, and demand for lunches is increasing, there seems to be a palpable sense of urgency, possibly due to job security concerns amidst the cost of living crisis. In response, we’ve crafted an affordable yet high-quality selection, anticipating the market’s reaction with interest.”
