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 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 âTrends we spotted this weekâ. 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 McDonaldâs Germany, you can enjoy 23 international product highlights during âMission: World Menuâ.
- 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 140 DegrĂŠs.
- 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 âCookies Cloud Cupsâ at Ovis Coffees in London.
Enjoy reading!
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 âTrends we spotted this weekâ. With this week links to articles about:
- Two acquisitions in a single week underscore Fletcher Hotelsâ 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 maĂŽtre dâ in September 2026.
- New strategic initiative âBuurthotelâ connects Amsterdam hotels, the local council and residents through a new concept: âco-tourismâ.
- 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 CĂ´te dâAzur – 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 âice cream float-throughâ! 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
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 cityâs 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
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!
Museum of Ice Cream opens its sweetest adventure yet in Las VegasÂ
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
VYVO launches new category of âClean Functional Drinksâ | 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 âTrends we spotted this weekâ. 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 Claridgeâs 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!
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
