Save Yourself From Al-Desko Dining: Vagabond Launches New Lunch Plates to Bring Back the Lunch Hour
07 May 2025
Vagabond, the self-pour and explore wine bar specialists in Colmore Business District, have unveiled a new weekday “Lunch Plates” menu, designed to rescue workers from the dreaded ‘al-desko’ lunch break.
A recent study of 2,000 office workers and students found that 82% regularly eat lunch at their desks during the working week, with nearly half (46%) doing so most days. Worryingly, aAlmost one in five (18%) said they had no alternative place to eat, and even those who did escape typically spent just 32 minutes away from their desks (according to a 2024 report by Lipton).
Starting from just £12, Vagabond’s new Lunch Plates menu features hearty, freshly prepared dishes such as steak and frites, lamb with new potatoes, and a vibrant burrata salad bowl. Each plate has been expertly paired by Vagabond’s Head of Drinks, Freddie Cobbs, with a wine from its collection of more than 100 wines by-the-glass — offering guests the chance to enjoy a proper lunch experience without breaking the clock or the bank.
Christobell Giles, Managing Director at Vagabond, said:
“There are few greater pleasures than a great plate of food and a perfectly paired wine. Life’s too short to sacrifice lunch every day for an extra half-an-hour in front of a screen. Our new Lunch Plates are designed to ensure you get something seasonal, freshly prepared, and delicious — even if you’re squeezing it in between meetings. And the wine, of course, is entirely optional.” I know this last sentence is intended to be tongue in cheek but to some readers it might come across like we’ve just added it to tick a responsible drinking box. I wonder if something like the below might work better… “Whether you choose to pair your favourite Lunch Plate with a glass of wine, a soft drink, or a quick shot of espresso, they are the perfect reason to escape the office this summer.”
With eight sites across London and one in Birmingham, Vagabond has seen a notable shift in visiting habits over recent years, with the return to office work driving strong weekday footfall — particularly at its bars in Monument, Shoreditch, and Victoria. While Vagabond’s venues have always been popular for after-work drinks and team meetings, customer feedback has driven a renewed focus on strengthening its lunchtime offering, especially in the City.
Following its acquisition by Majestic Wine in April 2024, Vagabond is also targeting new site openings this summer as part of an ambitious growth plan — with proximity to major office hubs a key focus.
Christobell added:
“Of course, our USP is our incredible wine selection. But we also want to make sure our venues are always set up for what our guests enjoy most — an amazing experience, exceptional food, and a variety of drink options. We can’t wait to see the reaction to our new Lunch Plates, and to bring Vagabond to even more locations across the UK with our exciting expansion plans for 2025 and beyond.”
