One in four Brits physically hide rather than answer the door to unexpected guests, with Gen Z the most likely to duck out of sight, according to new research by Tesco and Uber Eats.
The survey found that 30% of young adults hide when friends or family turn up unannounced. The top reasons for hiding include being embarrassed by snack options (56%) and worrying about brewing a decent cup of tea (23%). Meanwhile, 21% confess they have served guests expired milk, and 26% have served stale biscuits, hoping they will not notice.
Doorbell Drops launch
Tesco and Uber Eats have teamed up with etiquette expert William Hanson to launch Doorbell Drops, a range of half-price hosting essentials delivered to the door in minutes.
“Hosting with elegance shouldn't require days of preparation,” Hanson said. “The secret to last-minute hospitality isn't slaving over a stove; it's seamlessly curating a nonchalant vibe to echo that of your drop-in visitors. Tapping into Uber Eats to get a fresh spread of Tesco Finest products delivered before your guest has even taken off their coat is the ultimate power move for a modern host.”
Products available through the service include PG Tips Original Black Tea Bags, McVitie's Digestives Milk Chocolate Biscuits, Tesco Finest All Butter Sultana Scones, and Jacob's Original Cream Crackers.
Partnership aims to ease hosting fears
Merve Basci, Uber Eats UK general manager, said: “Unannounced visits used to be a staple of British social and community life, but the fear of being unprepared and judged for stale biscuits is driving many to hide rather than host. Whether it’s dodging in-laws or frantically scouring the fridge for something edible to serve, our new partnership with Tesco can help people ditch the ‘doorbell dread’, so that young people especially can relax and enter their hosting era with more confidence.”
Suzanne Quinn, Tesco customer director, said: “We’re always looking for little helps that make life easier for customers, and expanding our rapid delivery service through our Uber Eats partnership is another way we’re helping the nation get what they need, when they need it. The Doorbell Deals range has been created for those moments when plans change or guests arrive at short notice, giving customers quick access to fresh food, drink, and hosting essentials, so they can conveniently pull together a delicious spread in minutes.”
The Uber Eats and Tesco Doorbell Drop range will be available at half-price on the Uber Eats app until September 20.
Expert tips for last-minute hosting
Hanson also shared last-minute hosting hacks. He advises hosts not to apologise for a messy living area, but instead direct guests to a comfortable armchair, pour them a drink, and keep the lighting softly dimmed, noting that candlelight is forgiving of unvacuumed rugs and unmade cushions.
For stocking the emergency larder, he suggests ordering from the Doorbell Drops page on the Uber Eats app and transferring items onto proper china serving dishes before guests notice the doorbell ring. He advises against elaborate hot meals for last-minute visitors, recommending ambient, high-quality nibbles on elevated platters or a well-curated charcuterie board.
To keep conversation moving, he says the host's primary duty is to steer conversation away from awkward lulls, manage the room's energy, and ensure no glass remains empty for longer than a couple of minutes, always offering a sophisticated non-alcoholic option alongside wine or spirits.
For an elegant ending cue, he suggests offering one final round of water or tea, or asking with polite concern: “Do you have a particularly early start tomorrow?” as the universal, civilised code for it being time to leave.
