THE THIRD PLACE

When bars feel tired and cafes too transactional, Gen Z is finding community in DIY workshops, pickleball dates, run clubs, and beyond.

- ARANYAA CHOWDHURY

It used to be simple: “Let's grab coffee” or “Let's get drinks.” That was the default script for socialising. Now? Your friend group is just as likely to propose a sunrise run club, a matcha-making class, or a pottery wheel session. The new mode of connection is community over cocktails — or better yet, cocktail making with your community. Welcome to the rise of the third place.

Sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term back in the '80s to describe gathering spots that are neither home (first place) nor work (second place). Starbucks famously built its empire marketing itself as this “third place” — but in 2025, the latte alone isn’t cutting it. We've moved on from small talk over cappuccinos to sweat-dripping bonding at Pilates.

WHY NOW?