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
Chipotle launches global ‘album premiere listening party’ with pop star Alex Warren
17-7-2025
Today, Thursday July 17, Chipotle Mexican Grill is teaming up with singer and Chipotle superfan Alex Warren for a unique global event: an album premiere listening party for his new album You’ll Be Alright, Kid. From 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM local time, the album will be played in nearly 4,000 Chipotle locations across the U.S., Canada, the UK, and France. It’s the first time an artist has ever launched new music in this many restaurants simultaneously. The album will be officially available on all streaming platforms starting July 18.
This album premiere listening party is a unique collaboration between an artist and a restaurant chain! Inspiration for others?
2 minutes read
Tompoesje brings a cult classic to the party scene
15-7-2025
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 flat—everyone has their own way of enjoying it. But for those who’d rather toast than tinker, there’s now an alternative: Tompoesje, a shot that captures the familiar flavor of vanilla and puff pastry in liquid form. Tip from the makers: serve it ice-cold for the best experience.
1 minute 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
Trends we spotted | Week 28
14-7-2025
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:
- Nazuna Inc. which operates friendly, luxurious machiya inns in Kyoto, has launched a new experienced-based recruitment model: ‘Stay first, then interview’. An inspiring approach?
- Wouldn’t it be great to have a cookies ATM at your favourite bakery? In Darwin, Australia The Cookie Lab has just that: its very own Cookies ATM.
- The Lobby in Amsterdam has once again affirmed its status as a top wine destination, earning two Wine Spectator’s 2025 Restaurant Awards and they start Cork-Free Mondays.
- Using local events in your marketing strategy is a classic tactic. The Ivy Collection gives us with a great example with their Centre Court Melting Bombe during Wimbledon.
- As of July 1st, McDonald’s Switzerland has introduced a new twist on their iconic McRaclette burger: a chicken version.
- The Aussie Jawssie cocktail and the Sharky Temple mocktail are back at Outback Steakhouse locations across the US. We love the names and the presentation!
- Check out this interesting on QSR Magazine about KFC’s bold new brand: Saucy by KFC is shaking up the fast food world.
- At International Hotel Capital Partners (IHCP), employees can save for personal dreams through their innovative Bucketlist Programme. Here is a great example of how it works.
- On Thursday, July 17, the terrace of WOLF Food Market in Antwerp will once again transform into an open-air cinema. Expect a screening of the movie Pulp Fiction, a Campari Spritz and an exclusive live BBQ by Rambo.
Enjoy reading!
ProVeg launched ‘Future Plates’ | A catering guide to inspire more plant-based meals at global events
11-7-2025
Last month, ProVeg International released Future Plates, a new catering guide designed to help large-scale events offer more plant-based food options. Launched during the UN’s climate conference in Bonn, the guide includes best practices, inspiring case studies, and flavourful recipes like jackfruit tuna salad, shepherd’s pie, chickpea curry, French bean casserole, and more.
2 minutes read
Celebrate National French Fry Day with the latest snacking trend | Fry Bags
11-7-2025
In our weekly trend letters, we always highlight upcoming national and international food-related days, listed a few weeks in advance. You can subscribe here. Today, July 11, it’s National French Fry Day, and we’ve spotted great inspiration for snack bars and fries brands: Fry Bags. In short: Fries + Spices = Shake, Rip, and Dig In. Sounds like a trend we can also appreciate in the Netherlands!
1 minute read
New Summer Drinks | Will we also go for a Sarti Spritz, a Matchatini or a Spicy Sauvy B?
8-7-2025
We’ve been enjoying glorious summer weather for a few weeks now, and the popular seasonal drinks are already known. Mocktails, cocktails, spritz variations, rosé, and white wine remain favourites. Still, we’re seeing some new developments, both here in the Netherlands and around the world. Hard seltzers have firmly established themselves here in the Netherlands, especially at festivals, and alcohol-free beer is becoming increasingly popular. We’re curious whether summer drinks like the Sarti Spritz, the Matchatini, Osan Drinks, Established, and wines such as Kaiken Disobedience from Argentina will become more common. We do have our doubts about the Spicy Sauvy B, but luckily, the choice is yours!
3 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!
De Lola Podshotel in the centre of The Hague
De Lola Podshotel in the centre of The Hague
