Trends we spotted | Week 30
25-7-2025
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 ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- Eataly makes its Dutch debut at Schiphol Airport! Enjoy their Italian specialties at Lounge 1.
- For its Summer 2025 menu at the EMEA markets (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Starbucks took inspiration from Treviso, the birthplace of tiramisu. The result? A Tiramisu Cream Cold Foam.
- Another Coffee trend spotted in the US: the Iced Coconut Water Americano.
- Essendi, a leading hotel owner and operator in Europe, announces a strategic partnership with Workplace Pride during Pride Amsterdam 2025. The agreement was signed in their INK Amsterdam hotel.
- KFC’s new marketing campaign features a serious Colonel who ‘would not be happy’ about the brand’s recent market share loss. See how they’re taking on this challenge.
- Lawa blends ‘Mario Kart and Strava’ to make movement fun for teens and brands. Available in the Netherlands and it’s possibly interesting for amusement parks, too.
- Mattel recently launched the first-ever UNO Social Club in Las Vegas—an immersive game night experience combining competition, fun, and social connection. More locations are on the way!
- Spotted on Instagram: ‘unbreakable glasses’ by Djuce Studio. Made from Tritan copolyester and we love the way they look!
- Would you like to play a golf game at your wedding? We’ve also spotted fun mini golf games to enjoy with friends!
Enjoy reading!
Stayokay Eindhoven adds pods and family rooms after renovation
24-7-2025
Stayokay Eindhoven has recently completed an extensive renovation, which includes the addition of innovative pods to its room offering. Located in a former Philips factory on the vibrant Strijp-S site, the hostel now presents itself as a fresh and accessible accommodation option for a wide range of travellers. Both the rooms and common areas have been updated while preserving the characteristic charm of the historic building.
2 minutes read
De Lola | The new pod hotel in The Hague’s ‘De Haagse Bluf’
17-7-2025
As of July 16, 2025, you can experience a new way to stay in The Hague. De Lola Podshotel has opened in ‘De Haagse Bluf’ – the very first true pod hotel in The Hague and the Netherlands. No standard rooms here, but cozy sleep pods: compact, stacked cocoons with everything you need for a comfortable stay right in the city center. De Lola brings the smart and efficient sleep concept, already popular in global cities like Tokyo, New York and London, to the Netherlands. The hotel features 62 pods accommodating up to 70 guests, and a contemporary food concept and a stylish retro 70s-inspired lobby.
2 minutes read
The Social Hub supports the trans community with ‘Shout it from our Roof’ Initiative
14-7-2025
With the launch of its ‘Shout it from our Roof’ initiative, The Social Hub is giving trans people across Europe a platform — literally and figuratively — to show the world who they are. Everyone is welcome to join the Pride event at The Social Hub Amsterdam City on July 30, starting at 6:00 PM, to celebrate.
2 minutes read
Catalonia, the best gastronomy in the world | Campaign by the Generalitat de Catalunya
7-7-2025
When you’re travelling to the Spanish region of Catalonia this summer and you’re a foodie – check out all 62 Michelin-starred restaurants in the region. Three of these are ranked among the best in the world. Catalonia aims to reinforce its leadership as a preeminent culinary destination in Europe and globally. Around one hundred Michelin-starred chefs and traditional cuisine chefs are uniting behind the message: ‘Catalonia, the best gastronomy in the world.’
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 27
4-7-2025
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 ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- It’s a Dutch tradition, herring parties to celebrate ‘Hollandse Nieuwe’! This year for the for the 30th time, the Hilton Amsterdam received the first keg by fishmonger Jan van As.
- Chef René Redzepi and the team behind restaurant Noma are heading to Los Angeles in 2026.
- Airbnb is official partner of the Tour de France till 2027 and will offer unique experiences to enjoy the Grande Boucle and the communities surrounding the route.
- Dutch hostel chain Stayokay has launched a playful new campaign: ‘This is not a hostel!’
- With rising temperatures, cooling becomes increasingly important. Skycooler provides a refreshing solution for terraces, sports facilities, events, and smaller indoor spaces.
- Hotel brand ibis continues its European expansion, with recent openings in Belgium, Spain, Estonia, Germany, and upcoming locations in Poland and Hungary. The brand now boasts over 2,500 hotels worldwide.
- Thai street food brand Kaimug is the first restaurant in Germany to introduce a robot chef: the Omni by Botinkit.
- At their recent Leadership Experience event, Starbucks announced their first generative-AI powered solution, Green Dot Assist. This system will support their baristas and other green apron partners.
- Accor’s newest luxury brand, Emblems Collection, blends a storied legacy with a visionary redesign. Fiftheen hotels are in the pipeline, including Rimrock Banff, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa near Bath in the UK and the Elatos Resort in Greece.
Enjoy reading!
Young entrepreneurs & new locations | Le Smash, Elysianne and Beau
1-7-2025
Every day we spot fun and exciting new concepts. This week: a new Le Smash location in Leiden, restaurant Elysianne in Amsterdam, and Beau in Rotterdam.
Le Smash recently opened its eighth location in the Netherlands at Steenstraat 12 in Leiden. Meanwhile, the ninth location has also already opened in Groningen. Early 2025, restaurant Elysianne opened its doors at Ruysdaelstraat 48 in Amsterdam. Chef Matt Pace and his team serve refined versions of classic Creole dishes from Louisiana. And this Saturday, July 5, Beau will open at Stadhuisplein 23 in Rotterdam—a place to dine, experience, and linger.
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams the best of luck and lots of fun with their new concepts.
2 minutes read
Michelin-starred restaurant Onder de Linden embarks on a new path| Even more local, sustainable and affordable
1-7-2025
Herberg Onder de Linden, located in the village of Aduard in Groningen (in the north of the Netherlands), is becoming even more local and accessible. The Michelin-starred restaurant (*), owned by chef Steven Klein Nijenhuis, is eliminating nearly all ingredients sourced from afar. In addition, the menu now includes an attractively priced three-course option, and two new luxury suites have been added, bringing the total number of guest rooms to six.
3 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 26
27-6-2025
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 ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- Spotted on Instagram: a bitterballen claw machine! Our ‘bitterballen’ would probably be cold by the time we manage to grab one.😉 Found at DUS in Utrecht.
- Also spotted on Instagram: a fun way to serve ice cream – Zoo Ice Cream by BoBa in Barcelona!
- Also via Instagram: the Tuna Fight Club – a spectacular dining experience at Notting Hill Fish + Meat Shop.
- Accor Netherlands has been named the official hotel partner of WorldPride 2026 in Amsterdam, taking place from July 25 to August 8, 2025.
- LuminAir, the bar above Amsterdam launches The Menu of Colors, a new cocktail menu inspired by prismatic colors. Artist Lynn Spoor created a matching artwork.
- Starting July 1, fans in the U.S. can take home a tiny piece of McDonald’s with one of 21 mini toys from the Lil McDonald’s Happy Meal.
- J Hotel Shanghai Tower is located at the top of China’s tallest skyscraper and the third-highest in the world.
- The Ruby Group will open its first Greek hotel in 2027, right in the heart of Athens, near Omonia Square.
- Redbrick is known for its iconic Safety Sneakers: sturdy work shoes with the look of casual sneakers. A completely renewed collection is now available.
Enjoy reading!
Copitas | Ostend celebrates Mexican Spirits at a unique festival
26-6-2025
On Sunday, September 28, 2025, Ostend will host a first: Belgium’s very own festival dedicated to Mexican spirits. Copitas — Spanish for “little glasses” — celebrates the richness and complexity of Mexican drinks like tequila, mezcal, rum, whisky, and gin. Founders Stijn Deschacht, Jeroen Van Dyck, and a group of agave ambassadors from around the world invite the Belgian public to taste, learn, and enjoy artisanal spirits full of story, terroir, and tradition. Tastings will be paired with Mexican-inspired food.
2 minutes read