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 ‘Trends we spotted this week’. 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 McDonald’s Germany, you can enjoy 23 international product highlights during ‘Mission: World Menu’.
- 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 Degrés.
- 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 ‘Cookies Cloud Cups’ at Ovis Coffees in London.
Enjoy reading!
Restaurant Luwte opened last month in Groningen | Casual fine dining with northern produce
3-7-2026
Chef Falk van Essen and host-sommelier Caroline de Vries recently opened restaurant Luwte at Zwanestraat 26 in Groningen. In a characterful 19th-century listed building, they bring high-end gastronomy in a relaxed, approachable atmosphere. The name Luwte refers to ‘a shelter from the hustle of everyday life’.
2 minutes read
S’mores Frappuccino returns to Starbucks in the US this summer
2-7-2026
The S’mores Starbucks lineup is making its return this summer. The popular S’mores Frappuccino, first introduced in 2015, is back on the menu alongside two new additions: the S’mores Cold Brew with Marshmallow Cold Foam and the S’mores Chai. According to Starbucks, the beverages are inspired by the nostalgic flavors of s’mores, the classic campfire treat made with toasted marshmallow, chocolate and graham crackers.
’S mores are becoming increasingly popular here too when we have barbecues. Would we in Europe also enjoy the combination of coffee and ’S mores?
2 minutes read
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 ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- Two acquisitions in a single week underscore Fletcher Hotels’ 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 maître d’ in September 2026.
- New strategic initiative ‘Buurthotel’ connects Amsterdam hotels, the local council and residents through a new concept: ‘co-tourism’.
- 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 Côte d’Azur – 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 ‘ice cream float-through’! And a great, luxury gelato gift box by Zona.
Enjoy reading!
Fresh, fruity and quick to serve | De Kuyper Batched Spritz range for hospitality
26-6-2026
The spritz is no longer just a seasonal one-hit wonder on the cocktail menu. Especially as summer approaches, demand continues to grow for light, fruity and refreshing serves that suit sunny moments and busy days in hospitality. Koninklijke De Kuyper is responding to that demand with a new De Kuyper Batched Spritz range for the hospitality sector. From week 25, De Kuyper Elderflower Spritz and De Kuyper Limoncello Spritz will be introduced in the Netherlands, available in a 100cl Batched Cocktail bottle and a 20-litre KeyKeg. In addition, De Kuyper is launching an Orange Spritz, available exclusively in KeyKeg format.
2 minutes read
Île de Bisous brings Mediterranean summer evenings to Amsterdam South
23-6-2026
This summer, Amsterdam South is gaining a temporary Mediterranean hotspot. With the launch of Île de Bisous, Bisous and Strandzuid are joining forces for a two-day waterfront event. On July 10 and 11, Strandzuid will transform into an atmospheric open-air destination inspired by the Côte d’Azur, where gastronomy, entertainment, and togetherness take center stage.
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 ‘Trends we spotted this week’. 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!
From Amsterdam to London and Ibiza | Live-fire cooking concept Nela continues its international growth
18-6-2026
What started in Amsterdam in 2021 as an ambitious restaurant concept has quickly evolved into an international hospitality brand. Live-fire cooking concept Nela, founded by chefs Hari Shetty and Ori Geller together with entrepreneur Gilad Hayeem of The Waverly Group, continues its international expansion with a successful first six months in London and the return of Nela Ibiza for a second summer season.
2 minutes read
VYVO launches new category of ‘Clean Functional Drinks’ | 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 ‘Trends we spotted this week’. 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 Claridge’s 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!