Adult female friendship is hard to maintain at depth in busy lives. Coffee or lunch groups — 4-6 women meeting monthly with intentional format — have grown in popularity as solution. The structure provides what casual catch-ups don't.
What makes them work
Regular schedule (monthly minimum). Small enough for actual conversation. Shared interest or context. Hosting alternates. Commitment over years.
Where they're appearing
Through online communities like Belong (UK), specific neighbourhoods, professional women's groups, hobby-focused groups. Most form organically through one woman recruiting 3-4 friends, then building.
Many adults who join such groups report substantial improvement in social satisfaction and connection within months.