[fstarship]

Church in this context is a third place, the place outside of work and home.

Church is one option

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_place

[bergenty]

There aren’t a lot of good examples that can replace church. Church was literally a forced outing for everyone once a week. A barbershop or pub is not even close to being the same thing.

[fstarship]

I agree none of the other examples are as ubiquitous, I also don't like the examples where there is an expectation you pay at some point.

Just GP described the concept without naming it.