'Lunch’ means a multitude of things to different people. To some it is a robust Sunday roast, to others a more informal meal of Minestrone or Ham and Pasta Casserole. But most people recognise lunch, particularly at the weekend, as a time to get together, to catch up on news, to entertain, and above all to enjoy good food.

Claire Macdonald’s Lunches is a wonderful collection of recipes to fit the bill whatever your idea of lunch may be. From recipes for business lunches, like Savoury Profiteroles and Goat’s Cheese Roulade, to picnic and packed lunches such as Game Pastries, Scotch Quails’ Eggs or Sausage Hotpot, the author has assembled a collection of truly mouthwatering midday meals. She gives a chapter on Brunch, that halfway house, including favourites like Kedgeree, Eggs Benedict and Muffins, as well as the more unusual Pigs in Blankets, and a selection of starters and main courses for special occasion lunches. Invaluable ideas for children’s lunches are also provided, as are a selection of irresistible puddings.