Having lunch breaks with colleagues can be a delightful way to break up the workday routine and foster camaraderie. It's a time to unwind, share stories, and connect beyond work tasks. Whether it's gathering at a nearby park, a cozy café, or the office lunchroom, these moments often create opportunities for casual conversations and team bonding. Sharing a meal allows colleagues to relax together, discuss common interests, and even brainstorm ideas in a more informal setting. It promotes a sense of belonging within the team, encourages open communication, and strengthens relationships that can positively impact collaboration and productivity. Lunch breaks with colleagues not only nourish the body but also nurture a supportive and enjoyable work environment.

Ideas for park-friendly lunches

Having lunch breaks in the park can be a refreshing way to unwind and enjoy a meal outdoors.

• Sandwiches and Wraps: Prepare a variety of sandwiches or wraps with your favorite fillings such as grilled chicken, roast vegetables, tuna salad, or classic ham and cheese. Pack them in airtight containers or wraps to keep them fresh.
• Salads: Create a hearty salad using mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and a protein of your choice like grilled shrimp, sliced chicken breast, or chickpeas. Pack the dressing separately to keep the salad crisp until you're ready to eat.
• Cold Pasta Salad: Make a pasta salad with vegetables, herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. Add in extras like olives, feta cheese, or sundried tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Bento Box Style: Pack a bento box with a variety of small portions such as sushi rolls, rice balls, sliced fruit, and edamame. It's a fun way to enjoy a balanced meal with different flavors and textures.
• Cheese and Charcuterie Board: Put together a selection of cheeses, cured meats, crackers, and fresh fruit for a picnic-style charcuterie board. It's easy to share and perfect for nibbling on while enjoying the park atmosphere.
• Soup in Thermos: If the weather is cooler, bring along a thermos filled with your favorite soup. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a comforting and satisfying lunch.
• Quiche or Frittata: Bake a quiche or frittata ahead of time and enjoy it cold or at room temperature. They're easy to transport and can be filled with vegetables, cheese, and herbs.
• Finger Foods and Dips: Pack a selection of finger foods like hummus with pita bread, crudites with dip, cheese sticks, and fruit skewers. It's a relaxed and interactive way to enjoy lunch outdoors.
• Cold Fried Chicken and Sides: Prepare crispy fried chicken ahead of time and bring along sides like potato salad, coleslaw, and biscuits. It's a classic picnic meal that's easy to eat with your hands.
• Desserts and Drinks: Don't forget to pack something sweet like cookies, brownies, or fresh fruit for dessert. Bring along refreshing drinks like homemade lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water to complete your park lunch experience.

Remember to pack utensils, napkins, and a blanket or picnic mat for comfort. Enjoy your lunch break surrounded by nature and take in the relaxing atmosphere of the park!

Our favourite lunch break recipe of the month

Piadina Romagnola Flatbred recipe

Ingredients for 5:

4 cups of all-purpose flour
3 oz. of lard
2 pinches baking powder or 2 teaspoons of dried yeast
1½ tsp. sea salt

Method:

Pile the flour on a workspace, carve out a small well in the center, and place the lard inside. Begin drawing the flour into the lard. Add the other ingredients and some water to form a uniform dough, then begin kneading with your hands. Work the dough for around ten minutes and divide it into the number of piadinas you want to make. Each one is rolled out with a rolling pin until you have a diameter between 6″ and 12″ inches. Place on a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat and pierce the dough with a fork. Turn it over and pierce it again. Cook for 5 minutes in total, repealing the flipping and piercing process three times.

From the website: La Cucina Italiana:"Piadina Romagnola Flatbred recipe"

For more lunch break ideas, here are some great websites to explore

• BBC Good Food: This site is a fantastic resource for British-inspired recipes, including plenty of options suitable for picnics. They often feature seasonal recipes and user ratings.
• Jamie Oliver: Jamie Oliver's website offers a variety of picnic-friendly recipes that are both delicious and easy to follow. His recipes often incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Delia Online: Delia Smith is a renowned British chef, and her website features a collection of reliable recipes, including dishes perfect for picnics. Her recipes are known for their clarity and reliability.
• The Guardian - Food: The Guardian's food section includes a wide range of recipes contributed by various chefs and food writers, many of which are suitable for picnics and reflect contemporary UK tastes.
• Olive Magazine: Olive Magazine focuses on modern British cooking and often features picnic recipes that are practical and flavorful. They also provide tips on packing and transporting picnic food.
• Waitrose: Waitrose offers a selection of picnic recipes on their website, often emphasizing quality ingredients and seasonal produce. They cater to different dietary preferences and offer useful tips for outdoor dining.
• Sainsbury's Magazine: Sainsbury's Magazine provides a variety of picnic recipe ideas, ranging from sandwiches and salads to more elaborate dishes. They also feature recipes that are budget-friendly.
• BBC - Food: Apart from BBC Good Food, the BBC Food section also offers picnic recipes that cater specifically to British tastes, often featuring regional specialties and traditional picnic fare.
• Love Food Hate Waste: This site offers recipes that emphasize reducing food waste, which is practical for picnics where leftover ingredients can be repurposed creatively.
• La Cucina Italiana: This is the English version of the popular Italian cooking magazine. It offers a wealth of Italian recipes, cooking tips, and articles on Italian culinary traditions.
• Eataly: Eataly's website provides a mix of English and Italian content, featuring recipes, cooking techniques, and articles about Italian food culture. It's a great resource for exploring Italian cuisine.
• Italian Food Forever: This website offers English-language recipes inspired by Italian cooking traditions. It covers a wide range of dishes, from antipasti to desserts, with detailed instructions and tips.

These websites should provide you with plenty of inspiration and recipes to plan a delightful lunch break or picnic.