What is the Lunch-Dinner Version of Brunch?

When we think of meals between main times, “brunch” often comes to mind. Brunch is the popular blend of breakfast and lunch, typically enjoyed between late morning and early afternoon. But what about that awkward time between lunch and dinner when you're a bit hungry, but it’s not quite dinner time yet? Is there a proper name for this in-between meal?

In this blog, we’ll explore the idea of a lunch-dinner hybrid, look into common names, dining habits, and cultural uses, and see if a proper term exists for this meal.

The Rise of “Brunch” Culture

Before we go into the lunch-dinner mix, it's worth understanding how “brunch” became so well-known. Brunch started in the late 19th century in England and gained massive popularity in the 1930s in the United States. It’s now a major part of weekend culture in cities across the UK and the world — with cafes and restaurants offering special brunch menus.

This success story of a hybrid meal shows there’s space in our daily routine for flexible dining habits.

Is There a Word for Lunch and Dinner Combined?

Unlike brunch, which has become a standard term, a proper word for a meal between lunch and dinner is not commonly used in most regions. However, there are a few words and ideas that have emerged informally:

• Linner: A combination of “lunch” and “dinner”, used to describe a meal taken in the late afternoon — typically between 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
  
  

• Dunch: A less common version of “linner”, made by blending “dinner” and “lunch”. It refers to the same in-between meal time.
  
  

Both of these words are informal and not widely accepted in everyday speech, but they do the job when explaining a meal that doesn’t fall under typical meal schedules.

Here’s the Best Brunch Cafe: https://kula-cafe.com/brunch-marylebone/

Why People Eat Between Lunch and Dinner

There are several reasons why someone might prefer a meal between lunch and dinner:

1. Shift Work: People with non-traditional working hours, such as nurses or delivery drivers, often eat at unusual times.
   
   

2. Late Breakfasts: Those who eat a late breakfast may delay their lunch, which pushes dinner back — sometimes leading to a mid-point meal.
   
   

3. Weekend Treats: Some prefer a relaxed meal in the afternoon, especially on weekends or holidays when mealtimes are more flexible.
   
   

4. Family Events: Afternoon gatherings, garden parties, or early evening meet-ups often require light meals served outside of the regular meal clock.
   
   

So even though "linner" isn’t a formal term, the idea of this meal is very much alive in people’s lifestyles.

Here’s the Best Lunch Cafe: https://kula-cafe.com/best-lunch-london/

Eating Out for Linner: Growing Demand

Restaurants and cafes are starting to respond to these flexible eating patterns. In cities like London, where dining trends shift fast, several eateries now serve all-day menus — letting people enjoy meals whenever they like.

This trend is especially helpful for those looking for lighter meals or snacks in the late afternoon, without committing to a full dinner. The rise of shared platters, tapas-style dishes, and all-day brunch menus also supports this change in eating culture.

One such place that embraces flexible dining experiences is Kula Cafe London. Known for its relaxed setting and extended menu hours, Kula Cafe is often recommended by food lovers as an ideal spot for mid-day or late-afternoon meals. Whether you're after sweet crepes, fresh sandwiches, or a warm afternoon coffee, the cafe provides a cosy stop for what many would casually call “linner”.

Visit Their Website: https://kula-cafe.com/

Is “Linner” the New Brunch?

While the term brunch is now well established, linner hasn’t yet become part of regular vocabulary. However, as lifestyles change and meal timings become more fluid, there is potential for “linner” or similar terms to become more popular.

Eating habits are no longer rigid. People snack more often, eat on the go, or choose to enjoy smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. With more cafes and restaurants adapting their service times, it’s likely we’ll see more structure forming around afternoon meals.

Final Thoughts

Though there’s no official term for the lunch-dinner hybrid, “linner” or “dunch” serve well enough to describe that late-afternoon bite. As flexible working and relaxed dining continue to grow, the demand for these mid-meals will likely rise. Whether you're catching up with a friend after work or treating yourself to a quiet solo meal between meetings, the in-between times are becoming just as important as traditional meal slots.

So next time you find yourself hungry around 4 PM, remember — you're not being odd, you’re just in need of a good linner.