The Meal Deal
"The Meal Deal is Britain's inflation-beating lunch: a sandwich, a snack (crisps or chocolate), and a drink for £3.50-£4.00 from supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury's, or Boots. It's the fuel of office workers across London and beloved for its value and convenience. The ritual involves strategically choosing the most expensive individual items to maximize savings."
Logistics
Affordable
Vibe
Practical, economical
Duration
Quick bite
Best For
Lunch
The Backstory
Meal Deals were introduced by supermarkets in the early 2000s to compete with sandwich shops. They became a cultural phenomenon during the 2008 recession and are now a daily ritual for millions of Brits. The format hasn't changed in 20 years.
Local Secret
"Choose the most expensive drink (usually smoothies or premium juices worth £2-3) to maximize value. Tesco has the best variety; Boots has healthier options. Peak time is 12-2pm when offices empty out—shelves get picked clean."