Lunch: questions and Band 8 answers

During the week, I tend to keep things pretty simple. I usually have a wholemeal chicken sandwich or a pot of homemade vegetable soup that I've brought from my flat. It's quick, healthy, and keeps me going until dinner without making me feel sluggish in the afternoon.

It really depends on my workload, to be honest. If I'm having a hectic day at the office, I actually enjoy eating on my own to switch off for half an hour. But on quieter days, catching up with my colleagues over lunch is a lovely way to break up the day.

Most days, I eat in our staff kitchen at work. It's got a microwave and plenty of seating, so it's quite convenient. However, if the weather is warm and sunny, a few of us will head outside and sit on a bench in the nearby park instead.

Yes, I did throughout primary school. My parents thought hot meals were better for me, so I'd queue up with my classmates every day. I still remember the puddings, especially the warm sponge cake with custard, which was definitely the highlight of my week.

Definitely, yes. When I was at university, I'd often skip lunch entirely or just grab greasy takeaway chips on the run. Nowadays, I'm much more mindful of what I eat, so I make a conscious effort to prepare balanced meals with plenty of fresh salad and fruit.

I suppose an extra twenty minutes would be nice, just so I wouldn't have to rush my food. That said, I'd rather finish my working day earlier than spend an hour and a half sitting around at lunchtime, so forty-five minutes feels like a decent compromise.