Ottovino wines & bites brings exceptional wines from small producers to Leiden
7-7-2026
Since the first of July, Leiden has a new wine bar! At Haven 62, Ottovino wines & bites has opened its doors. After a successful first week, during which the team had the opportunity to further refine the concept, Ottovino is now officially introducing itself to the people of Leiden. With more than thirty wines by the glass, a carefully curated wine list and refined bites, the wine bar aims to become a regular meeting place for wine lovers in the city.
We’ve already tried a few of their wines! Great location, a cosy atmosphere, tasty snacks and delicious wines, what more could a wine lover ask for?
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 27
6-7-2026
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- The Lounges chain with 250+ venues in the UK will open its first location overseas in Essen, Germany.
- After weather codes yellow, orange and red, there’s one more colour to watch this summer – Code Purple at Bagels & Beans.
- Brouwerij (brewery) Homeland in Amsterdam launched its own lager, Homeland Puur Pils.
- Pick up your pizza by kayak at the ‘Paddle In’ at Otomat in Ghent.
- Handwritten Collection, a characterful collection of bespoke hotels launched by Accor in 2023, recently announced a significant milestone with the opening of its 50th address.
- At McDonald’s Germany, you can enjoy 23 international product highlights during ‘Mission: World Menu’.
- Travel And Tour World (TTW) recently unveiled its Top 100 Luxury Hotels in the World 2026, a global ranking honouring exceptional properties redefining modern hospitality.
- Great news for Belgian fries lovers heading to Paris, chef Mallory Gabsi has opened his Fry Shop 140degres.
- Wonder, a leading food technology platform, and Zipline, an autonomous delivery service, recently announced a partnership to bring on-demand drone delivery to Wonder locations across Texas.
- Inspiration for ice cream parlours: we spotted ‘Cookies Cloud Cups’ at Ovis Coffees in London.
Enjoy reading!
Restaurant Luwte opened last month in Groningen | Casual fine dining with northern produce
3-7-2026
Chef Falk van Essen and host-sommelier Caroline de Vries recently opened restaurant Luwte at Zwanestraat 26 in Groningen. In a characterful 19th-century listed building, they bring high-end gastronomy in a relaxed, approachable atmosphere. The name Luwte refers to ‘a shelter from the hustle of everyday life’.
2 minutes read
S’mores Frappuccino returns to Starbucks in the US this summer
2-7-2026
The S’mores Starbucks lineup is making its return this summer. The popular S’mores Frappuccino, first introduced in 2015, is back on the menu alongside two new additions: the S’mores Cold Brew with Marshmallow Cold Foam and the S’mores Chai. According to Starbucks, the beverages are inspired by the nostalgic flavors of s’mores, the classic campfire treat made with toasted marshmallow, chocolate and graham crackers.
’S mores are becoming increasingly popular here too when we have barbecues. Would we in Europe also enjoy the combination of coffee and ’S mores?
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 26
30-6-2026
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- Two acquisitions in a single week underscore Fletcher Hotels’ pace of growth in Germany, Berghotel Astenkrone in Winterberg-Altastenberg and Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Sundern-Sorpesee.
- Restaurant Jondani has been honoured with a Best of Award of Excellence from the Wine Spectator, the leading international American wine magazine.
- Restaurant SMAEK in Geldrop has recruited Rowin Geurts and Marcia de Bruijn. The couple will take up their posts as respectively head chef and maître d’ in September 2026.
- New strategic initiative ‘Buurthotel’ connects Amsterdam hotels, the local council and residents through a new concept: ‘co-tourism’.
- Restaurant Noor in Groningen has opted for a proactive solution to a commercial dispute by applying for a suspension of payments and will remain open till the end of 2026.
- The Berkeley and Summerill & Bischop announced a collaboration celebrating the art of entertaining in your suite.
- Duke of Tokyo De Pijp opens its doors this week (July 2) on Ferdinand Bolstraat in Amsterdam.
- Spotted on the Instagram account of We Like Côte d’Azur – When designers take over the Riviera.
- Inspiration for ice cream parlours: Leiden welcomed ice cream parlour and chocolatier Madaq, where visitors can pull up by boat for an ice cream, an actual ‘ice cream float-through’! And a great, luxury gelato gift box by Zona.
Enjoy reading!
How can you make your hotel more attractive to solo women travellers?
26-6-2026
We recently came across an article about Preferred Small Hotels, that, together with several boutique hotels in Palm Springs, has seen a growing number of solo women travellers and is actively responding to their needs. It reminded me of a recent holiday of mine in Sicily, where I noticed several women travelling on their own. It made me wonder if hotels know what today’s female traveller looks for when choosing a hotel or destination.
As a former flight attendant, I understand the most important requirement better than most: safety. I still remember how relieved I always felt when my hotel room had a security latch on the door. In this article, we’ve put together a list of simple tips and practical ideas to help you better accommodate this, growing group of solo women travellers. ^Marjolein van Spronsen
4 minutes read
Fresh, fruity and quick to serve | De Kuyper Batched Spritz range for hospitality
26-6-2026
The spritz is no longer just a seasonal one-hit wonder on the cocktail menu. Especially as summer approaches, demand continues to grow for light, fruity and refreshing serves that suit sunny moments and busy days in hospitality. Koninklijke De Kuyper is responding to that demand with a new De Kuyper Batched Spritz range for the hospitality sector. From week 25, De Kuyper Elderflower Spritz and De Kuyper Limoncello Spritz will be introduced in the Netherlands, available in a 100cl Batched Cocktail bottle and a 20-litre KeyKeg. In addition, De Kuyper is launching an Orange Spritz, available exclusively in KeyKeg format.
2 minutes read
NYX Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandt Square opens as a cultural meeting place in the city
26-6-2026
With the opening of NYX Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandt Square on June 25, Amsterdam is gaining more than just a new hotel. The first NYX Hotel in the Benelux combines hospitality, art and culture in a destination designed to bring people together. Located near Rembrandt Square, the hotel embraces a role that extends beyond accommodation. Through a dedicated cultural programme, a permanent art collection and hospitality concepts focused on connection and experience, the hotel aims to contribute to the city’s creative energy. The concept reflects a broader hospitality trend in which hotels are increasingly evolving into destinations, community hubs and platforms for local talent.
2 minutes read
Île de Bisous brings Mediterranean summer evenings to Amsterdam South
23-6-2026
This summer, Amsterdam South is gaining a temporary Mediterranean hotspot. With the launch of Île de Bisous, Bisous and Strandzuid are joining forces for a two-day waterfront event. On July 10 and 11, Strandzuid will transform into an atmospheric open-air destination inspired by the Côte d’Azur, where gastronomy, entertainment, and togetherness take center stage.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 25
23-6-2026
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- As Anantara Hotels & Resorts celebrates 25 years of meaningful travel, the brand is shining a spotlight on the people who have shaped its story with the launch of the ‘People Who Inspire’ series.
- Mandarin Oriental and Amouage unveil ‘Whispers of the Fan’, a bespoke luxury amenities collection inspired by the art of hospitality.
- Paris is celebrating the release of season 4 of the hit series The Bear on Disney+ with a special pop-up. On June 27 and 28, fans can enjoy the famous beef sandwich from The Bear at restaurant Amagat.
- We recently wrote about the combination of tea and cheese, and now we’ve spotted a Gouda Latte, or Gouda Cheese Iced Latte, created by YourCoffeeDude.
- One of Monaco’s most iconic beach clubs, La Rose des Vents, has received a colourful Gucci makeover. Check out the details in the images, we love it!
- We love the idea of serving mini cocktails, like the mini Espresso Martini featured in a reel by L’Antica Enoteca in Rome.
- Barista Cafe is expanding to 30 branches in the Netherlands, with a focus on nationwide coverage.
- Effium has developed an innovative pan which, inspired by rocket technology, uses up to 50% less gas and cooks faster and more efficiently.
- Bagels & Beans is looking for a new bagel manager in Zutphen and is organising an open day for this purpose on June 29.
Enjoy reading!
Zwarte Cross snack set for nationwide launch | Tante Rikanto already outselling frikandels and croquettes
19-6-2026
With great pride and rumbling stomachs, the organization behind Zwarte Cross, the Feestfabriek Alles Komt Goed BV, has announced that the Tante Rikanto snack will soon be available nationwide in the Netherlands. “A milestone that will shake up the food & beverage world,” according to the former Zwarte Cross festival director and the snack’s namesake, Tante Rikie.
2 minutes read
Museum of Ice Cream opens its sweetest adventure yet in Las Vegas
18-6-2026
As the largest Museum of Ice Cream location to date, the Las Vegas flagship delivers a larger-than-life celebration of joy. Spanning 14 one-of-a-kind installations inspired by the energy, glamour and playful spirit of Las Vegas, the experience invites guests to indulge their senses through immersive, whimsical environments and plenty of sweet surprises.
2 minutes read
From Amsterdam to London and Ibiza | Live-fire cooking concept Nela continues its international growth
18-6-2026
What started in Amsterdam in 2021 as an ambitious restaurant concept has quickly evolved into an international hospitality brand. Live-fire cooking concept Nela, founded by chefs Hari Shetty and Ori Geller together with entrepreneur Gilad Hayeem of The Waverly Group, continues its international expansion with a successful first six months in London and the return of Nela Ibiza for a second summer season.
2 minutes read
VYVO launches new category of ‘Clean Functional Drinks’ | No sugar, no sweeteners, just focus
16-6-2026
Consumers increasingly want the benefits of functional beverages, but they are becoming more critical about what goes into them. In a market filled with sugar and artificial additives, demand is growing for an effective alternative that supports wellbeing and mental sharpness without unnecessary ingredients. Amsterdam-based VYVO is responding to this trend with a functional soft drink that is free from both sugar and sweeteners, yet designed to give your day a healthy boost.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 24
16-6-2026
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- McDonald’s Netherlands is organizing an introductory session on June 30 for entrepreneurs who have a serious interest in running their own McDonald’s restaurant.
- Vault Bar, the renowned cocktail bar located within Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, has been named one of the Best Hotel Bars for 2026 by the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide.
- The iconic New York restaurant Dante has opened a permanent restaurant and bar at Claridge’s hotel. Dante Mayfair has officially made the transition from pop-up concept to permanent London venue.
- A fun idea: a date night at the zoo! Through July 24, adults can enjoy Zoo Nights at London Zoo. Could this be an inspiring concept for other zoos?
- La Marzocco has unveiled the Azteca, a unique espresso machine inspired by the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
- Alcohol-free beer is gaining ground in sports canteens, according to Heineken Netherlands.
- The Manor Hotel in Amsterdam East has officially reopened its doors as part of the exclusive Leonardo Limited Edition collection.
- Since June 11, the Dutch hospitality industry has been fully embracing the World Cup. A great example is Villa Kakelbont in Rotterdam.
- To further promote the OneUnit message, SpiritsNL will organize a nationwide roadshow in 2026, visiting eight major Dutch cities. OneUnit cocktails and mixed drinks contain one standard serving of alcohol.
Enjoy reading!
DOT Groningen transforms into Europe’s largest football for the ultimate World Cup celebration
12-6-2026
Football fans in Groningen and beyond can prepare for a World Cup experience of truly epic proportions. Creative hotspot DOT, located in the Ebbingekwartier district, is transforming its iconic white dome into Europe’s largest football for the upcoming World Cup. With a diameter of no less than 26 metres, the Groningen dome will become the continent’s ultimate visual World Cup landmark. Inside and around the giant “football,” all matches of the Dutch national team will be broadcast live for more than 1,500 passionate football fans.
1 minute read
Zwarte Cross and Grolsch launch special ‘t Geet Hier Spoken can for the 2026 edition
12-6-2026
The Dutch festival Zwarte Cross and Grolsch have joined forces to introduce an exclusive half-litre can in celebration of Zwarte Cross 2026. The special edition can is entirely dedicated to ‘t Geet Hier Spoken! (“Things Are Going to Get Wild Here!”), the theme of the upcoming festival edition. With this launch, the two brands bring their long-standing partnership to life in a striking design that will be available in supermarkets from June 15.
1 minute read
Van Gelder introduces an AI recipe assistant | New tool supports chefs with recipe development and menu inspiration
11-6-2026
From recipe development to menu inspiration, artificial intelligence is increasingly finding its way into professional kitchens. To support chefs and hospitality entrepreneurs, Van Gelder has introduced an AI recipe assistant. This digital tool provides users with inspiration for dishes, cooking techniques, and applications for fresh ingredients within seconds.
2 minutes read
Football meets fine dining in Amsterdam| Private dining, cocktails & watching specific games
11-6-2026
Watching the World Cup in Amsterdam takes on a new dimension this summer thanks to The Entourage Group. As the city gears up for another football-filled season, several hospitality venues are offering unique ways to experience the tournament. From lively match nights by the IJ waterfront to exclusive private dining experiences, football, gastronomy and hospitality come together in concepts designed for fans, friends, colleagues and business relations alike. Football meets fine dining!
2 minutes read
Play the BINGO where the whole of Amsterdam wins | Bellefleur’s WorldPride UNITY BINGO
11-6-2026
In the run-up to WorldPride Amsterdam 2026, Team Eberhardjes is once again joining forces with Dolly Bellefleur. Their mottos ‘Take good care of our city and of one another’ and ‘Let love reign’ align seamlessly. The theme of WorldPride is UNITY: for Team Eberhardjes and Bellefleur, the perfect occasion to playfully connect all the nationalities that make up Amsterdam. Today, Thursday, June 11th, they will launch Bellefleur’s WorldPride UNITY BINGO: an online bingo game in which not only one person, but everyone wins.
2 minutes read
Longest frikandel in the world | Chef Margo Reuten takes action for KWF
9-6-2026
Chef Margo Reuten of Restaurant Da Vinci in Maasbracht is stepping out of her familiar Michelin-starred kitchen for a special challenge. Together with five local entrepreneur friends, the only female SVH Master Chef with a Michelin star will attempt to break the world record for the “World’s Longest frikandel” on Sunday, June 28, 2026. (The frikandel is a long, skinless meat sausage made from finely ground meat (or meat trimmings) and spices, which is deep-fried just before consumption.)With this playful initiative, they are taking a stand against cancer and hope to raise €50,000 for the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF Kankerbestrijding).
Reading time: 2 minutes
Trends we spotted | Week 23
9-6-2026
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- Michelin-starred Restaurant Spetters presents Spetters – Shaped by Time, an anniversary book that brings together fifteen years of culinary development, personal stories, and signature recipes.
- Following several months of renovation, the Hulstkamp Gebouw on Rotterdam’s Noordereiland has reopened and is once again fully operational.
- On June 2, restaurant chain De Beren opened a new location in Duiven, situated at the largest food court in the Netherlands, near the A12 motorway.
- Mini Masters Playground in Waddinxveen has recently opened its doors. This interactive indoor play world allows children to discover a variety of professions through play.
- Radisson Hotel Group has added two new European properties to its portfolio: the design-focused Radisson RED Innsbruck in Austria and the characterful Gonville Hotel in Cambridge.
- Spotted on Instagram: the Negroni Float at Mister McCoy Island Ice Mallorca.
- Dutch wine growers produced approximately 11,752 hectolitres of wine during the past wine year, more than 1.5 million bottles and double the volume produced the previous year.
- Manex Properties, the joint venture between AMANO Group and Excellion Capital, has secured planning permission to transform Waterman House in London into a boutique AMANO hotel.
Enjoy reading!
Longevity | Hotels & wellness resorts are embracing the trend
5-6-2026
Medical wellness retreats have been around for decades, but today we see an increasing number of hotels and resorts embracing the longevity trend. Around the world, more and more research is being conducted to answer the growing demand for a healthier and longer life. Longevity has become a key focus online, in luxury hotels and resorts, and increasingly in restaurants and wellness concepts. But how can hospitality entrepreneurs respond to this trend? In this article, we share ideas, inspiring examples and links to hoteliers who already offer longevity programmes.
4 minutes read
AWAKE Chocolate launches the first ‘turn up service’ in the Walker Hotels
5-6-2026
AWAKE Chocolate is partnering with Walker Hotels, luxury, design-driven properties across New York City, to help hospitality turn things up this summer. Known for leaving chocolates on pillows at night, hotels have long made ‘turn-down service’ a signature, luxurious ritual. But AWAKE knows people need a pick-me-up when they get up! To mark the launch of the new AWAKE Crispy Milk Chocolate Bites (50 mg of caffeine per bite), the brand is introducing the ‘Turn Up Service trolley’ in June: a wake-up call on wheels.
2 minutes read
Growing portfolio in the Netherlands for Limehome
4-6-2026
With a new location in Rotterdam, Limehome will be represented in the five largest cities in the Netherlands from the second quarter of 2027. By then, the company will operate more than 210 rooms across nine properties in Amsterdam, The Hague, Eindhoven, Utrecht and Rotterdam.
2 minutes read
Ottovino wines & bites Leiden - credits Teun de Leede 
Ottovino wines & bites Leiden
