The best new lunch ideas for work meetings

Why more teams are ditching the boardroom for casual business lunches

In today’s fast-paced work environment, the way we connect, collaborate, and make decisions is evolving. Once, the boardroom was the default setting for client pitches, team catch-ups, and big project discussions. But now, more businesses are discovering that the best and most productive lunch ideas for work meetings often involve stepping away from the conference table entirely. A casual business lunch can transform the dynamics of professional relationships, turning stiff presentations into genuine conversations.

Whether it’s a quick grab-and-go sandwich, a relaxed lakeside coffee, or a sit-down meal in stylish surroundings, the best lunch ideas for work meetings are proving to be more productive, more enjoyable, and often more effective than traditional office-based conversations.

Here’s why forward-thinking teams are making the switch, and where in Nottingham you should be heading for your next working lunch.

The benefits of lunch over the boardroom

1. Better Relationship Building
Sharing a meal naturally breaks down barriers. In the relaxed setting of a café or deli, colleagues and clients alike feel more comfortable sharing ideas, opinions, and even challenges they might hesitate to voice in a formal meeting room. That openness helps build trust, spark creativity, and strengthen working relationships in ways that PowerPoint presentations rarely achieve.

Research shows that people are more likely to reach agreements over food, as the act of eating together triggers psychological responses that promote cooperation and trust. It’s no wonder that some of the most successful deals in business history have been sealed over a casual business lunch rather than in boardrooms!

2. Focused Conversations Without Office Distractions
At the office, phones ring, emails ping, and people wander in and out with “quick questions” that derail discussions. A table at a restaurant or café offers a distraction-free space to truly focus on the conversation at hand. When you’re exploring lunch ideas for work meetings, you’re actually creating a buffer zone from the usual workplace interruptions.

This change of scenery also signals to participants that this discussion matters enough to warrant special attention, elevating its importance whilst paradoxically making it feel less pressured.

3. More Time to Connect
Instead of rushing through a 30-minute meeting squeezed between other appointments, a lunch creates the opportunity for natural conversation. These organic discussions often lead to fresh solutions and new perspectives that would never emerge in a time-boxed conference room session.

The casual business lunch format allows conversations to flow naturally from business to personal interests and back again, building the kind of multi-dimensional relationships that drive long-term business success.

4. A Positive, Memorable Experience
Taking a client or colleague out for lunch shows thought and effort. It leaves a lasting impression, highlights that you value the relationship, and makes the meeting itself more enjoyable. People remember good food and pleasant surroundings far longer than they remember slide decks and meeting minutes.

Where to go in Nottingham for your next working lunch

If you’re ready to swap formal meeting rooms for fresh food and relaxed spaces, here are three standout spots that offer perfect lunch ideas for work meetings:

1. Deli Central (NEW – Opening 1st September)

Location: Castle Meadow Central

For teams who need to meet but don’t have time for a lengthy sit-down meal, Deli Central is the smart choice. Its freshly made sandwiches, wraps, and salads are ideal for grab-and-go working lunches, making it easy to keep energy levels up whilst still getting business done. With flexible spaces available in Castle Meadow Central, you can collect your food, grab a coffee, and head straight into an informal team catch-up or client conversation without the interruptions of the office.

The beauty of Deli Central lies in its versatility. Need a quick brainstorming session? Grab sandwiches and find a quiet corner. Important client meeting? Their platters and quality coffee create the right impression without the formality of a restaurant booking.

Best for: Quick working lunches, client drop-ins, and productive “meet whilst you eat” sessions.

2. Bramley’s Restaurant

Location: University Park

Sometimes, a meeting deserves more than a sandwich. Bramley’s Restaurant offers a relaxed but professional setting where teams and clients can talk strategy over a two- or three-course meal. The menu changes with the seasons, bringing fresh flavours to the table that match the tone of a longer, more considered discussion.

Whether it’s a client presentation, a project debrief, or a team celebration, the comfortable setting and attentive service ensure the focus stays on the conversation as much as the food. The restaurant’s position within University Park also provides the option of a post-lunch walk through the grounds – perfect for continuing discussions in an even more relaxed setting.

Best for: Formal client meetings, strategy lunches, and team gatherings where connection matters.

3. Spokes Café

Location: Jubilee Hotel & Conferences, Jubilee Campus

If your meeting needs a more casual, creative atmosphere, Spokes Café delivers in spades. With lakeside views and a menu that covers everything from light sandwiches and paninis to hot noodle bowls and sweet treats, it’s perfect for fuelling brainstorming sessions or afternoon team reviews.

The laid-back setting encourages open discussion, whilst the variety of food and 200 Degrees coffee keeps energy levels high for longer conversations. The lakeside location adds an element of calm that can help defuse tense negotiations or encourage creative thinking during strategy sessions.

Best for: Casual team lunches, brainstorming sessions, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Making the most of your business lunch

To maximise the effectiveness of your lunch ideas for work meetings, consider these tips:

• Choose the right venue for your objective – quick decisions need quick bites at Deli Central, whilst relationship building benefits from the leisurely pace of Bramley’s
• Time it right – avoid the 12:30-1:30 rush for quieter, more productive conversations
• Set expectations – let attendees know it’s a working lunch so they come prepared
• Follow up – the relaxed atmosphere often generates great ideas; capture them with a brief follow-up email

The future of business meetings

The shift towards casual business lunch meetings isn’t just a trend – it’s a recognition that the best business happens when people feel comfortable, valued, and engaged. In an era of remote work and digital fatigue, the simple act of sharing a meal has become more powerful than ever.

Not every discussion needs a boardroom. Sometimes the best ideas and connections happen over a sandwich, coffee, or shared dessert. The venues at Nottingham Venues understand this shift, offering spaces that facilitate genuine connection alongside great food.

Transform your next meeting

Swap formal meetings for casual lunches to foster open communication, stronger collaboration, and memorable client relationships.

Choose your setting based on your needs:

• Deli Central – quick, fresh bites for efficient meetings
• Bramley’s – sit-down dining with style for important discussions
• Spokes Café – relaxed, lakeside lunches for creative sessions

Make your next team lunch or client meeting both productive and enjoyable. Book a table or reserve a private meeting space today at Nottingham Venues, and discover how the right setting can transform your business conversations.