De Herberg van Smallingerland is ready for the future with son Jurmen and a revamped concept
13-3-2026
Freddy Bult and Aukje Westerhof have been at the helm of the De Herberg van Smallingerland since 1995. After 31 years, a new chapter is beginning now that their son Jurmen has officially become a co-owner. Jurmen has gained experience at top establishments such as Landgoed Lauswolt and Kaatje bij de Sluis. With the arrival of son Jurmen Bult as a partner and chef, the future of the family business in the historic listed building dating from 1791 is firmly secured. In addition, the restaurant is introducing a more accessible format, offering à la carte dining alongside the tasting menu.
2 minute read
Villa Kakelbont | Old hospitality legend returns to Rotterdam
10-3-2026
You walk in and it feels as if time has stood still. This month, hospitality legend Villa Kakelbont made its comeback in the centre of Rotterdam, on Halvemaanpassage behind the Meent. Once the café of the Oude Haven, now a new place: a warm living room for the city. With a vintage interior, board games and pub classics on the menu, you’ll soon find yourself staying the whole evening.
Reading time: 2 minutes
RHUM FEST PARIS | An edition celebrating the spirit of Carnival in April
10-3-2026
RHUM FEST PARIS returns on April 18, 19 and 20, 2026 at the Parc Floral de Paris with an edition celebrating the spirit of Carnival. A symbol of joy and sharing, Carnival serves as one of the cultural bridges between Europe and many rum- and cachaça-producing territories : French Guiana, Trinidad and Tobago, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Haiti, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador de Bahia…
2 minutes read
Bordeaux Mondays at restaurant Bisous
6-3-2026
Thanks to access to a unique wine cellar belonging to a passionate wine collector and an ami de Bisous from the eastern part of the country, restaurant Bisous in Amsterdam is launching its Bordeaux Mondays. During these evenings, exceptional wines from the prestigious French wine region of Bordeaux take center stage. Each Monday features a changing Bordeaux theme, ranging from a specific vintage to a remarkable subregion. Wine lovers get the chance to taste exclusive wines that are currently at their optimal drinking moment.
2 minutes read
Female power in a glass | Female winemakers in the spotlight at restaurant Omber
6-3-2026
At Restaurant Omber, located in the historic Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel, a good glass of wine carries extra meaning. To mark International Women’s Day 2026, Omber is putting female winemakers in the spotlight. Not only on this special day, but throughout the year the restaurant supports talented female winemakers who shape the sector with their vision and craftsmanship.
The wine list consists largely of wines made by women. Guests who take a seat and order a glass are therefore not only choosing quality but are also supporting female creativity and leadership in a traditionally male-dominated profession.
2 minutes read
Hotelschool The Hague presents ‘The AI Power Gap’ research | Hospitality risks losing control of the guest to tech giants
6-3-2026
While the world is talking about AI as the biggest economic shift since the smartphone, the Dutch hospitality sector finds itself in a dangerous dilemma. New research, ‘The AI Power Gap’ by Hotelschool The Hague, shows that the sector is structurally lagging behind: only one in ten Dutch hospitality businesses currently uses AI in a structural way. According to the researchers, this is a “code red” for the sector, as economic value is rapidly shifting toward external tech intermediaries.
2 minutes read
Chocolate Hotel Suite opens its doors to the “sweetest person” in the world
5-3-2026
Tony’s Chocolonely and The Social Hub, two leading B Corp brands committed to making the world fairer and more inclusive, have joined forces to create a chocolate-covered hotel room. But there’s a twist. A stay in the new chocolate pop-up suite at The Social Hub Amsterdam cannot be booked (or paid for). Guests can only stay there if they are nominated as the sweetest person in the world.
2 min read:
Small gestures of hospitality | What do you do for guests with a cold in your hotel?
3-3-2026
A blog by Marjolein van Spronsen about flu season. It is very inconvenient when part of your staff is sick, but it can also be challenging when you welcome guests who have a cold. How do you remain hospitable in those situations? And more about small gestures of hospitality and ‘random acts of kindness’.
This blog was previously published in Dutch at the website of the Van Spronsen & Partners Group.
2 minutes read
DAPPER. cooks field-fresh hop shoots straight from the source
3-3-2026
For chef Nick Dapper, hop shoots are something exceptional. Not only because of their flavour, but because of what they demand from a chef: speed, focus, and a refusal to take shortcuts. Their season is short. They oxidise quickly. And they don’t submit to routine. At DAPPER., he works with hop shoots harvested from the fields of Paul Temmerman.
Are hop shoots on your menu in the season?
3 minutes read
‘Room for Her’ study by The Social Hub | Dutch women who travel solo prioritize safety over price
3-3-2026
New European research by The Social Hub, conducted in the lead-up to International Women’s Day (March 8), shows that safety is more important than price for Dutch women when booking accommodation for solo travel. 56 percent cite safety as one of the most important factors, compared to 42 percent who mention price. The findings underline the urgent need for change within the hospitality sector when it comes to women’s safety.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 9
3-3-2026
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:
- Burger King is introducing updates to its iconic Whopper, including a new bun and box packaging.
- Live Más LIVE 2026 by Taco Bell, a Hollywood-themed event revealing its 2026 menu innovations.
- Kyriad has launched ‘Prompt It’ the first AI-powered travel guide created by the brand.
- Travel and Tour World has released its ‘Top 50 Nightlife Travel Destinations for 2026’.
- Starbucks is launching new Coffee & Protein bottled drinks on March 23.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has added permanent Senior Meals (55+) to its menu.
- Mandarin Oriental has appointed Simone Biles as its first Global Wellness Ambassador.
Enjoy reading!
Cool Kids Check In | Avani’s Family Friendly Resorts for every kind of kid
27-2-2026
Family holidays are no longer one-size-fits-all. Avani’s Family Friendly Resorts is responding with a collection of resorts across Asia and the Indian Ocean designed around how kids actually travel, from Water Babies and Sporty kids to Foodies, Adventurers and Creatives. Each resort reflects different interests and energy levels while keeping the overall experience simple, flexible and enjoyable for parents too.
Great examples of a cool kids check in!
2 minutes read
Fletcher Partner Hotels | Fletcher Hotels expands with 30 hotels abroad
27-2-2026
With this new activity, 20 additional hotels in Germany and 10 hotels in Belgium are now bookable through Fletcher Hotels, increasing the total foreign portfolio by as much as 30 hotels. Fletcher Partner Hotels enables Fletcher to accelerate its European objectives: by starting a collaboration with a large number of foreign hotels, Fletcher can enter foreign markets more quickly and further increase brand awareness across Europe.
2 minutes read
The Jollof Club chooses community funding for its first permanent location in Amsterdam-Zuidoost
26-2-2026
The West African restaurant concept The Jollof Club in Amsterdam is taking its next step. Chef Nicolas Aquaa and hospitality entrepreneur Bunmi Okolosi will open their first permanent location in spring 2026 at Klein Bijlmerplein (Bijlmerplein 508) in Amsterdam-Zuidoost. To make this possible, they have consciously chosen crowdfunding via CrowdAboutNow.
With this campaign, they are not only building financial support, but above all a community. Future guests, fans, and local residents can become co-creators from the very beginning. “We want people to feel part of this story from day one,” says Bunmi Okolosi. “Not just as guests, but as a community.”
2 minutes read
Wissel ’ns Wat! sets the Dutch protein transition in motion again
24-2-2026
On March 2, Wissel ’ns Wat! (or in English: Let’s swap) will launch, a new nationwide behaviour-change campaign in the Netherlands that takes over from the ‘National Week Without Meat’ and will now remain active year-round. The campaign focuses on the so-called ‘movable middle’: the 53% of Dutch consumers who rarely choose plant-based alternatives but are open to change when it is practical, tasty, and accessible.
Based on the change in this initiative: why not serve your guests’ favourite dish as a vegetarian option?
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 8
23-2-2026
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:
- Westrock Coffee Company recently announced it has officially achieved its goal of becoming 100% responsibly sourced, fulfilling the commitment the company publicly set in 2021.
- The inaugural Anantara Concorso Roma will bring together 70 historic Italian cars in the heart of Rome. Taking place from the 16th-19th of April 2026.
- The development of the Al Layan Oasis project has been approved, it will become a new environmental and recreational destination in Dubai.
- Heineken® launched two new non-alcoholic flavours, Cold Pressed Lime and Nectarine Juniper, in the US.
- Tim Hortons, a coffee chain from North America, is introducing Golden Cinnamon Cold Foam as a limited-time customization option this spring. The brand also continues to highlight its protein latte platform.
- Jordan olive oil from Lesbos is now available in a paper bottle, made from 94% recycled cardboard, featuring a specially designed pourer that doesn’t spill a drop.
- The Dutch coffee and bagels chain Bagels & Beans distributes nearly 1,000 love cards for Valentine’s Day. We spotted Café Pli, een ‘Café à Lettres’ in Paris, where visitors can write a letter to their future selves!
- Onyx Coffee Lab (USA) tops the list as the best coffee shop in ‘THE WORLD’S 100 BEST COFFEE SHOPS’. Fuku by FriedHats in Amsterdam is ranked number 79! Congrats to all companies on this list!
Enjoy reading!
A ‘bottomless Easter brunch’ in Nijmegen | Collaboration between Plan_A and Cath’s Cuisine
20-2-2026
Cath’s Cuisine and Plan_A are organizing a bottomless Easter brunch on Sunday, April 5. Following a successful first edition, they are once again joining forces to create a culinary Easter experience in Nijmegen. On Easter Sunday, they will host an extensive and cosy brunch. Expect shared dining with delicious dishes and, of course, unlimited drinks, carefully selected to perfectly complement the food. A great example of a strong local collaboration.
1 minute read
Raffles Hotels & Resorts unveils ‘The Butler Did It Collection’ | Available Exclusively At Printemps
19-2-2026
Raffles Hotels & Resorts introduces ‘The Butler Did It Collection’, a playful, curated line of fashion and home goods available exclusively at Printemps New York and Paris through March 10, 2026. Created in collaboration with Globe-Trotter, Frette, and Christofle, the collection captures Raffles’ signature elegance, whimsical glamour, and attention to detail. From cashmere jumpers and velvet slippers to bespoke luggage and reimagined coffee cups, each piece brings a touch of the Raffles experience into everyday life. It’s a first glimpse of how the brand’s refined lifestyle will soon extend beyond its hotels.
2 minutes read
A Homecourt Suite in the recently opened Anthem Hotel in LA’s Stadium District
19-2-2026
Game day doesn’t have to end at the final buzzer—and concert night shouldn’t stop at the encore. In Los Angeles’ buzzing Stadium District, The Anthem Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is turning event-driven travel into an experience of its own. Just steps from the city’s biggest venues, the 179-room lifestyle hotel blends sports, music, and culture into a stay that feels like part of the show. With immersive suites and high-energy programming, The Anthem isn’t just near the action—it keeps the momentum going long after the crowd heads home. For the NBA All Star Game they created a Homecourt Suite!
Another great example on how to capitalize on events in your neighbourhood! And about Vinyl Wellness.
2 minutes read
Soixante in Antwerpen | Where Polish soul and international finesse meet
17-2-2026
In Antwerp, Soixante is steadily building a distinctive culinary identity where Polish roots and international refinement reinforce each other. Under the leadership of chef Jakub “Kuba” Blogowski, a cuisine emerges that is both personal and technically precise: recognizable in flavor, thoughtful in execution, and driven by a clear ambition to continuously refine. The restaurant has received a score of 13.5 in the Gault&Millau guide and is listed in the Michelin Guide, where it is praised for its refined cuisine, focus on vegetables and seafood, and bold flavor combinations.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 7
17-2-2026
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:
- Inspiration for next year! Why not spoil your best male friend for Valentine’s Day? Einstein Bros. Bagels introduced their ‘Bro-quet’!
- Viral push pop sushi has also been spotted in the Netherlands at Twapan in Eindhoven and Rolling Sushi in Amsterdam.
- Fletcher Hotels opens a boutique hotel at Michelin-starred restaurant De Kromme Dissel (*).
- The first location of a fashion-forward café by streetwear brand, 13DE Marzo, opened last November in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. They serve tiny teddy bears with their drinks.
- Jill hotel Brussels & restaurant Nook offer an extensive mocktail menu and serve no alcohol.
- California Almonds partnered with StarChefs to showcase almond creativity on restaurant menus across San Francisco and Los Angeles.
- The Shangri-La hotel group launched a global search for one lucky winner to receive an 88-Night Global Stay.
- Nobu Hospitality will launch Nobu Hotel, Restaurant and exclusive private island residences in the Maldives.
- Mandarin Oriental Hotels will expand its presence in Egypt with two iconic hotels and a luxury Nile cruise experience.
Enjoy reading!
The Gibson Guitar Experience at the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale
13-2-2026
This spring, The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale will debut the Gibson Guitar Experience, a monthlong collaboration with iconic music brand Gibson, celebrating more than 130 years of craftsmanship. Running April 10 through May 10 and timed with the Tortuga Music Festival, the initiative transforms the oceanfront resort into a music-inspired destination. Select elements of the experience, including Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Fort Lauderdale, and Sea La Vie Sundeck, are open to both non-hotel guests and hotel visitors, while guests reserving Club Lounge accommodations can enjoy additional amenities.
It’s a great idea for a hotel to capitalize on the music theme when there’s a festival taking place nearby.
2 minute read
Chili’s® Grill & Bar has a special National Margarita Day promotion
12-2-2026
Another great example on how to use a special day provided by Chili’s Grill & Bar for National Margarita Day on February 22nd. As we’re mentioning in our trendmails (you can subscribe here) on Thursday, national and international days are great marketing tools! We publish those days a few weeks ahead, so you’ll we able to create your own promotion!
2 minutes read
Janine Bakery & Restaurant | Two concepts, one soul
10-2-2026
In the heart of Amsterdam in the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel, Janine Bakery & Restaurant opened its doors: a place where the influences of Italian cuisine meet the free, spontaneous dining culture of San Francisco. A city where sourdough, coffee, and pizza are part of the everyday life.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 6
10-2-2026
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:
- Tropical Smoothie Cafe is celebrating Valentine’s Day with pets, featuring the limited-time Puppy Power Bowl, available through 3 March.
- Starbucks has reached a significant recycling milestone: polypropylene cold to go beverage cups are now recyclable for more than 60% of US households.
- IKEA and Tiny Chef are launching a new mini-series from 2 to 9 February, celebrating the joy of plant-based cooking with the beloved stop-motion character Tiny Chef.
- Wendy’s is marking Singles Awareness Day on 15 February with a special in-app offer: a Dave’s Single® cheeseburger.
- Kwalitaria is the first major Dutch snack chain to introduce completely plastic-free packaging, with fries and snack trays protected by a biodegradable seaweed coating.
- Vaseline® and Red Lobster are launching a temporary Valentine’s Day Kissing Booth in Times Square, from February 10 to 12, featuring exclusive menu items and the new Lip Therapy® collection.
- Café Teichner dal 1922 in Rome is serving an espresso with hazelnut cream and chocolate at Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina 15.
Enjoy reading!
At Otomat this spring ‘You’ve Got The L’Oeuf’ pizza credits Wingman Agency - Lukas Wouters
At Otomat this spring on the menu - Pizza the ‘Rock The Kasbah’ - credits @Bramski
At Otomat this spring ‘You’ve Got The L’Oeuf’ pizza and pitchers of spritz - credits Wingman Agency - Lukas Wouters
At Otomat this spring pitchers of spritz and their new logo - credits Wingman Agency - Lukas Wouters
