In a world dominated by packed calendars, endless group chats and social plans booked weeks in advance, new research suggests that meaningful time with friends doesn’t need to take all day.
According to a new study commissioned by Madrí Excepcional, the nation’s ideal catch-up lasts just 84 minutes – proving that quality time can fit into even the busiest schedules.
Brits Are Craving More Casual Social Time
The research found that 73% of Brits wish they had more casual catch-ups with friends, highlighting a growing appetite for low-pressure socialising.
While longer meet-ups still have their place, many people are finding it increasingly difficult to commit to lengthy social occasions. In fact, 64% believe socialising now feels more like an organised event than an everyday occurrence, while 45% think social plans have become more scheduled than they were five years ago.
Despite this, nearly seven in ten people (69%) say they would welcome easier and more spontaneous ways to spend time with friends.
What Happens During the Perfect 84-Minute Catch-Up?
According to the survey, 84 minutes is enough time to cover all the essentials that make a catch-up worthwhile.
The top conversation topics include:
- Family updates (51%)
- Friendship group gossip (48%)
- Work news (45%)
- Relationships (43%)
- Upcoming holidays and travel plans (43%)
The findings suggest that meaningful social connections don’t necessarily require hours of commitment. Instead, shorter and more frequent interactions may be exactly what people need.
Why Are Casual Catch-Ups Becoming Rarer?
Modern life appears to be getting in the way of spontaneous socialising.
The biggest barriers identified by respondents include:
- Packed schedules (43%)
- Feeling too tired after work (30%)
- Travel time (20%)
Only 30% of people arrange a catch-up within three days of it happening, while 40% admit they have gone more than a month without an impromptu meet-up. A further 10% cannot even remember the last time they had one.
Interestingly, 62% believe that shorter, more regular interactions are actually better for maintaining friendships than occasional large-scale social events.
Summer Is Bringing Back the Desire for Spontaneous Plans
The arrival of warmer weather appears to be encouraging people to reconnect.
The study found that 70% of Brits are more likely to make flexible or last-minute plans during the summer months, while 61% say they miss the days when socialising felt effortless and spontaneous.
Popular ideas for a quick catch-up include:
- Meeting friends outdoors (42%)
- Casual BBQs and garden gatherings (40%)
- Relaxing in a park or beer garden (36%)
- An after-work drink in the sunshine (33%)
Madrí Excepcional Limón Launches The Squeeze It Inn in London
To celebrate the launch of its new Madrí Excepcional Limón, a refreshing lemon-flavoured beer with a zesty citrus taste, the brand has opened The Squeeze It Inn outside BOXPARK Shoreditch in East London. The venue is located on Bethnal Green Road and is known for its street food, events and social spaces.
Inspired by Madrid’s relaxed street-side drinking culture, the pop-up offers visitors complimentary samples of Madrí Excepcional 0.0% and the new Madrí Excepcional Limón, alongside Spanish-style snacks and conversation starters designed to help friends reconnect.
The concept is built around the idea that socialising doesn’t need extensive planning – sometimes all you need is 84 minutes.
Londoners Feel Particularly Time-Poor
The findings reveal that city dwellers may be feeling the pressure most.
Among Londoners, 60% say they feel too time-poor for lengthy social occasions, despite 75% saying they would like easier ways to see friends more regularly.
With work commitments, commuting and busy lifestyles often dominating schedules, shorter social occasions could provide a practical solution for maintaining friendships without requiring an entire evening or weekend.
Win a Madrí Excepcional Limón Summer Catch-Up Kit
To further encourage informal summer gatherings, Madrí Excepcional Limón is also running a giveaway through its Instagram channel.
Participants can enter by following the brand’s Instagram account, liking the competition post and tagging a friend they would like to catch up with. Entrants must be aged 18 or over.
More information can be found via Madrí Excepcional’s official Instagram page.
A Shift Towards Simpler Socialising
Commenting on the research, Anca Secara, Marketing Controller for Madrí Excepcional, said that people are increasingly looking for casual opportunities to connect outside of major planned events.
The findings suggest that while grand nights out and special occasions remain important, many Brits are rediscovering the value of quick, easy and meaningful moments with friends.
And if the research is correct, all it takes is 84 minutes.
