THOMS Underground Bar | Rotterdam nightlife hotspot reopens on the Meent
17-4-2026
The music is back on and the dance floor is calling: THOMS Underground Bar is reopening its doors in the heart of Rotterdam. Starting Friday, April 24, the popular nightlife venue on the Meent will once again be open every Friday and Saturday from 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM.
2 minutes read
Claridge’s X The Newt in Somerset | Rural charm meets Art Deco elegance in Mayfair
17-4-2026
This May, the Claridge’s hotel partners with The Newt in Somerset, one of the UK’s leading country estates, bringing a taste of the countryside to London following its involvement in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Running from 18 to 31 May 2026, the two-week collaboration celebrates the best of town and country through installations, menus, and exclusive guest experiences under the name: Claridge’s X The Newt in Somerset.
2 minutes read
Bites launches on ChatGPT | Unlocking AI-powered direct ordering
17-4-2026
Bites, the first AI-native food ordering platform, recently announced the launch of its ordering experience on ChatGPT, enabling restaurants and point-of-sale (POS) platforms to capture demand through conversational AI. The launch enables diners to discover, browse, and place orders directly within ChatGPT without any price markups or marketplace service fees.
As Bites explains on its website, their platform offers a solution for everyone who overpays for food delivery, both diners and restaurants. The company started in California, where most participating restaurants are located, but it already includes participants from across the United States. We’re curious to see whether Bites will also launch in Europe, or if similar platforms will emerge here.
3 minutes read
Hawaiian launches the ‘Faya Bowl’ in collaboration with comedian Jay Francis
16-4-2026
A taste of Surinamese flair with the first new bowl in eight years. After eight years, 50 locations, and millions of bowls served, Hawaiian is taking a bold step by expanding its menu with an entirely new signature bowl: the Faya Bowl. Developed in collaboration with comedian Jay Francis, the bowl reflects his Surinamese roots and personal taste profile, translated into a Caribbean-inspired creation. The result is a vibrant combination of color and spice.
1 minute read
Enjoying ‘royal pairings’ at the restaurants of The Entourage Group during King’s Day
14-4-2026
During King’s Day in Amsterdam, the city transforms into one large festive setting filled with music, boats, and a vibrant sea of orange celebrations. The Entourage Group taps into this atmosphere with a culinary interpretation of this holiday. Across the city, their restaurants open their doors for a day full of flavor, ambiance, and refinement. With special ‘royal pairings’, combinations of dishes and cocktails, each location offers its own take on royal indulgence. Whether you are in the heart of the crowds or looking for a stylish escape, there is a perfect spot for every moment.
2 minutes read
Second location for Bouillon d’Amsterdam
14-4-2026
Bouillon d’Amsterdam is rapidly making a notable rise in the capital’s hospitality scene. Just weeks after opening its first location, the company has already announced a second venue in Amsterdam-Zuid. With an accessible concept centered around quality, speed, and affordability, the restaurant appeals to a broad audience. Its rapid expansion highlights both its success and confidence in a scalable concept.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 15
13-4-2026
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 ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- Eberhardjes, the heart-shaped butter biscuits from Amsterdam, are launching a limited-edition pack this month in collaboration with Schiphol, to mark the 100th anniversary of the connection between the city of Amsterdam and the airport.
- Over the past ten years, the Verspillingsfabriek (the Waste Factory) has grown into an impactful production site where circularity, taste and social value come together.
- Since 2024, there has been a ban on single-use plastic cups at events in the Netherlands, but research by the ‘Inspectie Leefomgeving & Transport’(Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate) (ILT) in 2025 shows that the sector is failing to comply. They announced stricter enforcement.
- From 14 to 17 April 2026, Interclean Amsterdam, an international trade fair for the cleaning and hygiene sector, will take place at the RAI Amsterdam. It will conclude with a ‘Feel Good Friday’, a themed day exploring the role of cleaning in the hospitality experience.
- KFC in the US released a single, ‘Finger Lickin’ Machine’. They hope the track will be a new contender for the season’s most popular track. Introduced in combination with a Value-feast meal.
- AI voice agent Rachel called 3,000 Irish pubs to reconstruct the Guinness Price Index.
- McCain Foods launched ‘Brew City® Beer Battered Potato Waves’: a crispy, wavy potato innovation for the hospitality sector in the US and Canada.
- From 21 April, McDonald’s in the US is expanding its value-for-money offering by giving fans more choice on the McValue® menu.
- The Berkeley in London will reopen its exclusive rooftop terrace to the public again in summer 2026. The organize ‘Capri in the City’ near their rooftop pool, for the second year running.
- McDonald’s in Türkiye launched a ‘Drink & Drive’-campaign to raise awareness of road safety. Starring their McCafé.
Enjoy reading!
Will we be able to enjoy lattes for €1 here in the Netherlands too?
13-4-2026
A blog by Leonie van Spronsen on the trend towards cheaper catering, will we soon be able to enjoy lattes for €1 here in the Netherlands too? This blog has previously been published in Dutch on the website of the Van Spronsen & Partners, hospitality consultancy.
2 minutes read
Emblems Collection announces its first address in France | La Citadelle Vauban in Belle-Île-en-Mer
10-4-2026
La Citadelle Vauban of Belle-Île-en-Mer, one of the most remarkable heritage landmarks along the French coastline and a true emblem of the island, will become the first Emblems Collection property in France, joining Accor’s newly launched ultra-luxury boutique hotel collection.
2 minutes read
A limited orange edition of Tompoesje | From cult pastry to party shot
10-4-2026
A tompouce is a traditional Dutch pastry you’ll find at nearly every bakery in the Netherlands. Some eat it layer by layer, others squash it in one go. But for those who prefer to toast rather than struggle, there’s a new alternative this season. Tompoesje introduces a limited Orange Edition: the iconic tompouce pastry transformed into a festive shot drink. The original pink version has already grown into a popular favorite at parties and gatherings, and with this special edition, Tompoesje taps into every moment when the Netherlands turns orange. From King’s Day to the World Cup, and those spontaneous nights where the party vibe matters just as much as the score.
2 minutes read