From the desk of Penelope Alice, Britain’s most fabulous PA: bento boxes at RIBA

They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but what do they know? The lovely people at the Royal Institute of British Architects (ribavenues.com) invited me over recently to try out their absolutely ingenious, not to mention delicious, new catering idea for meetings delegates: the sandwich-free lunch. Forget carb overload and say goodbye to curled-up corners on that cheese & pickle on stale white bread – this has been banished and in its place is a delectable selection of bento boxes filled with heart-healthy goodies.

Each box offers a choice of four compartmentalised sections, comprising a starter, main course, a side dish and dessert. On the day I visited, I was able to sample a choice of mackerel, poached salmon and pork, accompanied by sides of sweet potato and a very attractively arranged salad, plus a creamy pannacotta (not too unhealthy, the chef assured me) and a very more-ish apple crumble, which is made without any added sugar but is enhanced by a wonderful hint of ginger.

You can really taste the freshness of the food here and that’s partly thanks to the clever idea of RIBA having its own herb garden on the premises, where they grow a variety of plants including thyme, rosemary, basil and sage. This translates into more naturally tasty food that reduces the need for extra seasoning, so they don’t put salt and pepper on the tables (although these are available on request) – as I’m always saying to dear Mr P, anything that keeps down the old blood pressure gets a thumbs-up in my book.

The bento box is also more visually appealing and less intrusive than your average sarnie-fuelled lunch (as well as less messy, is there anything more off-putting than sitting across from someone who has some stray mayo smeared across their mouth?) This is brain food at its best, designed to stimulate mental activity and keep the little grey cells ticking over at the peak of their potential – I’ll certainly raise a glass (of mineral water, naturally) to that idea.

This blog originally appeared on the PA Life Club site. To read more of Penelope Alice’s blog entries and get access to a range of fantastic benefits, including discounts and special deals at dozens of selected retailers and venues, as well as exclusive monthly competitions, networking events and 50% off PA Life’s new training courses, click here: palife.co.uk/pa-life-club