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The Sumo live restaurant Hirakunza Ginza Tokyo

1-5-2026

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MIMARU, a leading Japanese apartment hotel brand for families, is promoting a new way for international guests to experience one of Japan’s most iconic cultural traditions, at Hirakunza Ginza Tokyo, during an immersive sumo dining experience.

2 minutes read

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All in purple | Grimace brings birthday vibes to McDonald’s Germany

30-4-2026

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The iconic purple McDonald’s character Grimace has been appointed ‘Head of Birthdays’ in Germany, turning the concept of birthdays upside down: according to him, every day is a celebration. Following the success of the Grimace Shake last year, he once again takes center stage in a bold campaign, this time featuring an all-purple theme, including a new menu and limited editions.

Is purple becoming the food color of 2026? Recently, we also covered the introduction of the ube spring collection in European Starbucks locations.

1 minute read

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Trends we spotted | Week 17

28-4-2026

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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:

• Top chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is serving a hotdog, street food in front of the Mark Hotel in New York.
• Are you going to New York? You can create a unique selfie on one of the 900 pedestrian crossings of New York!
• TRIBE Hotels launched a TRIBE Vinyl Club on Disquaire Day / Record Store Day on April 18.
• In celebration of Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, hitting theaters May 22, Burger King in the US is launching their ‘Out of This Galaxy Limited-Time Menu’.
• The Sauna Club opened their first mini-spa location at Moai Beach Club in Zandvoort (the Netherlands).
• During Antwerp Art Weekend (May 14–17), WOLF will present a new installation by Marius Ritiu at their Felix Pakhuis location.
• Starbucks partners with Warner Bros. to bring the world of Harry Potter to Asia Pacific stores.
• SeaWorld San Diego will open Shark Encounter on May 22, an immersive exhibit showcasing sharks through interactive environments and advanced multimedia.
• You can buy chef Olivier Roellinger’s spices at Épices Roellinger in Paris, and at authorized retailers all over France and even one in the UK and in San Francisco.

Enjoy reading!

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Villa Kakelbont introduces a Vintage Music Bingo | Sing along and win nostalgic prizes

24-4-2026

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Winning a vintage designer pair of sunglasses or an old vinyl record while singing along at the top of your lungs to classic hits! On Thursday, May 7, you can experience it all during the Vintage Music Bingo at Villa Kakelbont in Rotterdam.

1 minute read

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Ceintuur Theater in De Pijp | All-day rotisserie restaurant by chef Atti de Moll

24-4-2026

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In December, Ceintuur Theater in De Pijp opened as an all-day rotisserie restaurant. Under the leadership of chef Atti de Moll, the rotisserie takes center stage in the kitchen. After years of cooking at the highest level in Amsterdam’s Michelin-starred restaurants, including Restaurant Lars, Atti de Moll has consciously chosen a more accessible and convivial style here. Drawing on his fine-dining technical foundation, he gives the simplicity of the rotisserie a refined yet relaxed signature.

2 minutes read

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MGallery Collection and chef Pam reimagine ‘the art of bar’

24-4-2026

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Each year, World Cocktail Month sees MGallery Collection celebrate the art of mixology across its properties worldwide, turning the bar into a stage for creativity and connection. This year, MGallery Collection invites guests to experience the bar as a destination in its own right, ‘the art of bar’. In collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij, the boutique hotel collection unveils an immersive pairing concept that transforms an evening drink into a curated gastronomic ritual, through the art of pairing cocktails and exquisite bites. World Cocktail Day is on May 13.

2 minutes read

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Trends we spotted | Week 16

21-4-2026

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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:

• Dutch startup WhiskyCircle has launched its mobile app in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. “The Vivino/Untappd for whisky” is now available.
• Tricorp Workwear introduces TRIFIT, an AI-powered ‘fitting experience’ that allows users to digitally compose, visualize, and share workwear outfits.
• On April 30, 2026, a new hospitality concept will open on the Baltic coast of Rügen: ‘The Baltic View’, a premium alternative positioned between a traditional luxury hotel and high-end private living.
• Dogstronomy? In Lyon, Ornella launched this playful concept centered around dog nutrition.
• The Berkeley Hotel in London has introduced a new cocktail menu at The Berkeley Bar & Terrace: the SW1 Sips menu (a reference to the postcode).
• Pim Lammertse is now at the helm of two beach pavilions in Wijk aan Zee. Since early this year, he has been the owner of Aloha, and as of May 1, he will also take over the neighboring Timboektoe.
• Sparkling espresso, also known as an espresso bom? A striking drink made with espresso, sparkling water, salt, lime, and lemon.
• We still think it’s a great idea from Café De Gaper in Leiden: royal snacking, but a shot in the colors of the flag is also a fun addition. Spotted at Café Kooper in Amsterdam.

Enjoy reading!

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Claridge’s X The Newt in Somerset | Rural charm meets Art Deco elegance in Mayfair

17-4-2026

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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

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Bites launches on ChatGPT | Unlocking AI-powered direct ordering

17-4-2026

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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

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Hawaiian launches the ‘Faya Bowl’ in collaboration with comedian Jay Francis

16-4-2026

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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

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