There’s a little known theory, that in normal, everyday (non-pandemic) life, there is such a thing as as ‘third places.’
In other words, places where people spend time between home ('first' place) and work ('second' place).
Chances are, we probably hadn’t given much thought to the significance of these ‘third’ places that we used to visit almost as habitually as our homes and offices… until the opportunity to do so was taken away!
With these so-called ‘community living rooms’ now reopen…it’s possible to appreciate just how important they are (and always have been) for offering a very-necessary contrast to the structured and private natures of work and home.
Not only this, cafes, bars and restaurants play an important part in nurturing social connections, and for ‘maintaining a view of oneself as part of something larger’, some experts would say!
As if that’s not incentive enough, these places also mostly serve great food and drink (@satollo_marlow no exception!!) which is proof if ever you need it, that ‘winning’ and ‘first place’ don’t always go hand in hand!