Solo dining | From trend to the new normal in hospitality
20-7-2026
For many hospitality entrepreneurs, it is still an awkward moment: the guest who walks in alone and is given a table for two because the staff are not quite sure where to seat them. Yet the number of people consciously choosing solo dining continues to grow. Not because they have no company, but because they want to. An evening out with yourself. A little me-time.đ Peace. Focus on the food. A chance to recharge. We have been following the solo dining trend for years. From Japanâs Ichiran Ramen, where guests sit in individual âflavour concentration boothsâ, to the rise of dining at the bar or counter with a view of the open kitchen. And do you remember when âTwitter dinnersâ were organised?
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 âTrends we spotted this weekâ. 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!
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
Trends we spotted | Week 20
19-5-2026
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 âTrends we spotted this weekâ. With this week links to articles about:
- Some inspiration for outdoor and indoor, sporting activities: Thruball and Crazy Golf Football, like at Footy Nation.
- Bonne Nuit Patisserie, located in Istanbul, Turkey has created a sweet twist on tacos!
- Two examples of hosPETality:
- At Charlyâs Treat Bar, everything revolves around dogs: from puppicinoâs, snacks and accessories to playful concepts built entirely around them.
- The Peninsula London took high-end hospitality one step further with its limited time, dog grooming parlour inside the hotel.
- Claridgeâs in London is making its collaboration with New York institution Dante a permanent feature: this summer, Dante Mayfair will open as a restaurant and bar within the hotel.
- Recently, Williams Farmhouse in Amsterdam unveiled a complete summer makeover, inspired by the atmosphere of a British garden party. Their summer name is Williams Botanical Garden!
- Kerzner has announced One&Only Courchevel, the brandâs first resort in the French Alps, set to open in 2030 in legendary Courchevel 1850.
Enjoy reading!
Trends we spotted | Week 14
7-4-2026
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 âTrends we spotted this weekâ. With this week links to articles about:
- Funny April Foolsâ Day jokes: the Friturette from Snacksalon de Schelp and the orange oysters from Pesca.
- Restaurant Aroma is closing and is offering a special way to say goodbye with a menu in 19 scenes.
- On April 22 and 23 2026, the Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam will take place for independent hoteliers and boutique hotel professionals.
- Marriott International and the Leali family are launching a joint venture to add Lefay, the luxury wellness hotel brand, to the Marriott portfolio.
- Pup flight or a Bark-cuterie at the Wasserhund Brewing Company pop-up.
- KFC in Spain is transforming its restaurant signs into giant döner skewers.
- A new season brings new products to the Dutch fastfood-chain Family: the Peanut Butter Shake and the Chicken Smashburger.
- Radisson Hotel Group opens the Radisson Hotel Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hoofddorp.
- Fletcher Hotels expands its international presence with the acquisition of the Parkhotel Olsberg-Winterberg in Germany.
Enjoy reading!
Small gestures of hospitality | What do you do for guests with a cold in your hotel?
3-3-2026
A blog by Marjolein van Spronsen about flu season. It is very inconvenient when part of your staff is sick, but it can also be challenging when you welcome guests who have a cold. How do you remain hospitable in those situations? And more about small gestures of hospitality and ârandom acts of kindnessâ.
This blog was previously published in Dutch at the website of the Van Spronsen & Partners Group.
2 minutes read
The Jollof Club chooses community funding for its first permanent location in Amsterdam-Zuidoost
26-2-2026
The West African restaurant concept The Jollof Club in Amsterdam is taking its next step. Chef Nicolas Aquaa and hospitality entrepreneur Bunmi Okolosi will open their first permanent location in spring 2026 at Klein Bijlmerplein (Bijlmerplein 508) in Amsterdam-Zuidoost. To make this possible, they have consciously chosen crowdfunding via CrowdAboutNow.
With this campaign, they are not only building financial support, but above all a community. Future guests, fans, and local residents can become co-creators from the very beginning. âWe want people to feel part of this story from day one,â says Bunmi Okolosi. âNot just as guests, but as a community.â
2 minutes read
Young Poelzicht talent given the spotlight | Wine Bar & Bistro Petit Caveau has opened in Tiel
23-1-2026
Since January 7 2026, the Betuwe region in the Netherlands has gained a new culinary hotspot: Wine Bar & Bistro Petit Caveau in Tiel. Located in one of the oldest listed buildings in the historic city centre at Korenbeursplein 1. Edwin Muns, an experienced entrepreneur joins forces with young talents Camilo van Drumpt Sanstra and Olivier Landewers from Brasserie Poelzicht. The result is an intimate venue where fresh Mediterranean bistro dishes, genuine hospitality and a distinctive wine list come together.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 44
3-11-2025
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 âTrends we spotted this weekâ. With this week links to articles about:
- Grubhub and Avride are launching a trial with autonomous delivery robots in collaboration with restaurant chain Wonder.
- Saudi Arabia Railways and Arsenale present the first luxury train in the Middle East, âDream of the Desertâ, which will launch in 2026.
- Dior introduces Haute Motherhood, a postnatal wellness program at Dior Spa Cheval Blanc Paris. It’s a great idea to offer special treatments aimed at small groups of guests, and as we always say, this can be done at any level!
- Regis Hotels & Resorts in the U.S. and Maison Ladurée are creating festive afternoon teas and Parisian elegance during the Christmas period.
- The Dutch franchise formula eazie has once again been nominated for Best Fast Service formula in the Netherlands in the YouGov Out of Home Formula Monitor 2025.
- THE BUTCHER is opening a temporary haute fast food pop-up at Schiphol Amsterdam Airport. This temporary location is the first step towards new branches of THE BUTCHER and Toni Loco, both concepts by THE ENTOURAGE GROUP, at Schiphol Airport.
- Hotelschool The Hague and House of Hospitality Amsterdam are organizing a masterclass in immersive technology for the Dutch hospitality sector on November 19. You will be able to experience AR/VR training courses that allow hotel staff to practice in realistic 360-degree environments!
 Enjoy reading!
Trends we spotted | Week 42
20-10-2025
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 âTrends we spotted this weekâ. With this week links to articles about:
- McDonaldâs Netherlands launches their 2024-2025 Impact Report, working with local franchisees on sustainability and social impact.
- Ruby Hotels unveils a new art installation by Hugo Mulder DHM at Ruby Emma in Amsterdam, titled âHarness the Power of Natureâ.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Central Station staff show their commitment to charity during events like the Dam to Dam Run and KiKa Run.
- Taste of Horecava by Gault&Millau 2026 offers a stage for top chefs and innovative partners in culinary craftsmanship from January 12-14.
- Morrow is developing future-proof coffee without beans, using upcycled natural ingredients sourced from Europe and the UK.
- The Connaught, the famous Mayfair hotel, launched its first book, written by Bill Prince and published by Assouline.
- The WHO and UNICEF release new global hand hygiene guidelines aimed at curbing the spread of illnesses. SC Johnson Professional welcomes the release of these new guidelines and recognizes hand washing as a strong foundation for creating safe and healthy environments
- McDonaldâs Germany introduces a limited edition FRIENDS menu with collectible figures and an interactive hub in Hamburg.
Enjoy reading!