Trends we spotted | Week 43
28-10-2025
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:
- Circular bread made by the Top Bakkers Group on the menu at caterer Vitam.
- Fletcher Hotels opens padel courts in former airplane hangar near Rotterdam Airport: Padel City Fletcher Rotterdam Airport.
- Nisbets, Europe’s largest supplier of catering equipment, celebrates 25 years of operation in Europe.
- How SMARTLINEN® takes linen management to the next level.
- Oatly, the world’s largest oat drink company, has released its first The Future of Taste Report. And Burger King in Austria has become the first food service outlet to offer Oatly’s Baristamatic oat milk.
- Jack Simpson from Australia was crowned the 2025 World Barista Champion at Host Milano. The Dutch competitor, Zjevaun Janga, finished in the 31st place.
- ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam recognized as Urban Night Sky Place by DarkSky International.
- Airbnb and Art Basel have announced a multi-year partnership across the fair’s flagship shows in Paris, Miami Beach, and Basel.
- The popular espresso machine manufacturer La Marzocco has partnered with the iconic Victorinox to launch a limited-edition Swiss Army tool designed for La Marzocco machines.
Enjoy reading!
Inspiration for the Holiday Season | From a sushi Christmas Tree to an edible pinecone
27-10-2025
We’re already in the third week of October, and more and more festive inspiration is popping up online. Pinterest remains a wonderful source of ideas, and this week we explored Christmas dishes. We found several fun creations that would look great on the menu of any grand café or bistro. We’re sure chefs could take these ideas to next level!
A bruschetta Christmas wreath, a sushi Christmas tree, an edible pinecone, and a Christmas bauble dessert are among our favourites. We also noticed that most restaurants share their Christmas menus on Instagram as plain text. In our opinion, a missed opportunity!
2 minutes read
50+ architecture for hotels | No low beds and definitely a ‘pee light’
24-10-2025
Recently, we had an interesting discussion among colleagues about 50+ architecture for hotels. When is a room truly suitable for guests aged 50 and over? Do older travellers really find a lower bed a problem? And how important is it that guests aged 50+ appreciate your hotel room? I belong to that target group myself, we travel as often as possible and almost always stay in hotels. Did you know that this target group accounts for over 40% of the Dutch population? And hotels don’t have many guests under the age of 20 either!
No matter how trendy the hotel concept is, we constantly run into plenty of fellow 50+ travellers! So, to answer that question about importance right away: yes, it does matter. One colleague also asked whether we really appreciate a so-called ‘pee light’. A ‘pee light’? Excuse me?
A blog by Marjolein van Spronsen
Young Entrepreneurs & new locations | Café-Bar Vita Lente and KFC Rome’s flagship store
24-10-2025
Every day, we spot fun and inspiring new concepts. This week: Café-Bar Vita Lente, the new hotspot in Amsterdam West from former Coulisse (*) owner Simon Witmaar. And on September 28, Kentucky Fried Chicken opened its first Italian flagship store in Rome.
KFC Rome boasts a truly unique location, not just for Italy, but for all of Europe. The store showcases many innovative elements in design, sustainability, service, and technology. At Café-Bar Vita Lente, fine dining has made way for a more relaxed atmosphere. The menu features robust, Southern European dishes, and plenty of wines by the glass, sherry, vermouth, and small bites made for sharing.
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams the best of luck and lots of fun with their new and renovated concepts.
3 minutes read
BlueBlood restaurant in The Hague receives official ‘Authentic Peruvian Cuisine’-certification
23-10-2025
BlueBlood Restaurant is the first Dutch restaurant to be awarded the official ‘Authentic Peruvian Cuisine’ Certification, a prestigious recognition endorsed by Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola (USIL), one of Peru’s most renowned culinary institutions, and Marca País, the national symbol of Peruvian identity and culture. They will celebrate this certification with a special Peruvian Food Festival on November 2nd.
2 minutes read
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts celebrates 10 years of ‘Kilo of Kindness’
20-10-2025
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts proudly celebrates the tenth edition of its global charity initiative, ‘Kilo of Kindness’, which has been supporting people and local communities since 2015. Until 14 November 2025, more than 70 Mövenpick hotels across nearly 30 countries will join forces to collect food, clothing, school supplies, and other essential items for local charities. Guests, employees, known within Accor as Heartists®*, and neighbours are all invited to take part.
1 minute read
Trends we spotted | Week 42
20-10-2025
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:
- McDonald’s Netherlands launches their 2024-2025 Impact Report, working with local franchisees on sustainability and social impact.
- Ruby Hotels unveils a new art installation by Hugo Mulder DHM at Ruby Emma in Amsterdam, titled ‘Harness the Power of Nature’.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Central Station staff show their commitment to charity during events like the Dam to Dam Run and KiKa Run.
- Taste of Horecava by Gault&Millau 2026 offers a stage for top chefs and innovative partners in culinary craftsmanship from January 12-14.
- Morrow is developing future-proof coffee without beans, using upcycled natural ingredients sourced from Europe and the UK.
- The Connaught, the famous Mayfair hotel, launched its first book, written by Bill Prince and published by Assouline.
- The WHO and UNICEF release new global hand hygiene guidelines aimed at curbing the spread of illnesses. SC Johnson Professional welcomes the release of these new guidelines and recognizes hand washing as a strong foundation for creating safe and healthy environments
- McDonald’s Germany introduces a limited edition FRIENDS menu with collectible figures and an interactive hub in Hamburg.
Enjoy reading!
Young Entrepreneurs & new locations | Poké Perfect at Schiphol Plaza and M Social Hotel New York Downtown
17-10-2025
Every day, we spot fun and inspiring new concepts. This week, Poké Perfect opens its 15th, and largest, location yet at Schiphol Plaza! The healthy bowls fit perfectly with Schiphol’s goal to offer more variety, quality, and responsible choices. And M Social Hotel New York Downtown has opened, offering 569 rooms, their Beast & Butterflies signature restaurant, and a Metaverse experience connecting virtual and real worlds.
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams the best of luck and lots of fun with their new and renovated concepts.
2 minutes read
Holiday Season Inspiration | From a Gingerbread Wonderland and festive scents to a photobooth
17-10-2025
As we mentioned last week, it’s the perfect time to start planning for the holidays. Apparently, some hospitality venues are already fully booked for the Christmas Days! In October, we’re publishing a short weekly article full of inspiration; this week’s highlights include a Gingerbread Wonderland, festive scents in hotel rooms, a Christmas photobooth, messages on mirrors in restrooms, holiday fun, and a special way to unbox your Christmas boxes. By the way, you can find even more ideas on our Pinterest Christmas board.
2 minutes read
The magical ‘Michelin sauce’ | When will the next third Michelin Star fall in the Netherlands?
14-10-2025
Were you also a bit disappointed that there wasn’t a new third Michelin star awarded in the Netherlands this year? I was! Especially when you consider that there weren’t really any new two-star restaurants either. Isn’t it only fair that a chef who already has two stars should be able to take them to their next restaurant, if it meant to be on the same culinary level? It is what it is, but as a true Michelin Guide enthusiast, I can’t help feeling a little short-changed this year… And I keep wondering: what exactly is the magical ‘Michelin sauce’ that helps you cook your way to that third star?
A blog by Marjolein van Spronsen.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 41
13-10-2025
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:
- Waterman House will become the AMANO’s Group second hotel in London.
- ‘Claridge’s Life in Charms’ – a concept we love and it doesn’t have to be this expensive at other hotels!
- Bar Leone in Hong Kong has been named The World’s Best Bar 2025.
- Domino’s unveiled a crave-worthy brand refresh designed to make you say “Mmm”.
- Disaronno celebrates its 500th anniversary with five exclusive limited edition bottles.
- From the inspiring October agenda at WOLF Antwerp and Brussels; Pumpkin Soup, a Halloween run, a kids workshop to DJ Sets and more.
- To mark its 10th anniversary, Otomat is launching ‘Friends of Otomat’, a series of culinary collaborations, starting with a BASK Pepperoni pizza by Sam D’Huyvetter!
- In January 2026 TICA, the European purchasing partner for lifestyle professionals and The Stage, the leading platform for hospitality innovations, will jointly open a new purchasing location in the iconic former flower auction building in Venlo.
Enjoy reading!
Inspiration for the Holiday Season | From a festive ‘cocktail tree stand’ to a ‘Hot Chocolate Station’
10-10-2025
We’re driving home in the dark again after work… time to get into the December spirit! Throughout October, we’re publishing short weekly articles full of inspiration — and this week it’s all about Christmas cocktails and mocktails, a ‘Hot Chocolate Station’ and a cocktail tree stand dressed up for the holidays! By the way, you can find plenty more ideas on our Pinterest Christmas board.
1 minute read
Young Entrepreneurs & new locations | Loetje Oegstgeest, COBRA HOUSE, and Nova Hotel Amsterdam
10-10-2025
Every day, we spot fun and inspiring new concepts. This week, the city of Oegstgeest welcomes a new Loetje! A fresh COBRA location opens in Antwerp: COBRA HOUSE – not a copy, but a new chapter! And Nova Hotel Amsterdam proudly takes ownership of its historic building and a new generation takes over the management.
On October 30, Loetje will open its 38th location at the Klinkenbergerplas in Oegstgeest, featuring a warm interior, views over the water, and their familiar menu. COBRA HOUSE will open a new location in Antwerp on October 12, as the second location of the Antwerp-based COBRA concept. After thirty years of operation, Nova Hotel Amsterdam is now fully owned by the family-run B.K.A. Groep, the owners Marcel and Lily Berendsen also transferred the management to son Olivier Berendsen for further development and sustainability.
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams the best of luck and lots of fun with their new and renovated concepts.
3 minutes read
Enjoy a unique Txokos-menu at Sagardi in Amsterdam
7-10-2025
For lovers of the Spanish, Basque cuisine! Until Sunday, October 19, Sagardi invites you to enjoy an exclusive tribute to the txokos — the gastronomic societies of the Basque Country. A rare opportunity to taste the soul of Basque culture, right in the heart of Amsterdam. This special Txokos menu celebrates the fifth anniversary of this Basque restaurant on Spuistraat, founded by chefs Iñaki and Mikel López de Viñaspre.
1 minute read
Museum Villa and Essense Food & Events | Contemporary art meets culinary storytelling
6-10-2025
Experiencing art with all your senses: that’s what the new partnership between Museum Villa and Essense Food & Events makes possible. Essense becomes Villa’s permanent partner in high-end hospitality. Together, they create unique experiences where art and gastronomy merge, with culinary storytelling as the guiding thread: “Where every bite tells a story.”
2 minutes read
Pizza Hut debuts Crafted Flatzz
6-10-2025
Pizza Hut has teamed up with nine-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist and entertainer Anderson .Paak to launch a global campaign celebrating its latest menu innovation: Crafted Flatzz™. The partnership combines Pizza Hut’s bold new personal pizzas with .Paak’s playful energy, offering fans a campaign full of flavor and fun. Check out the campaign and the ins and outs about their Crafted Flatzz!
1 minute read
Trends we spotted | Week 40
3-10-2025
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:
- This Saturday, October 4, Brewery ’t IJ will once again host ‘The Amsterdam Party Under the Mill’ at the iconic windmill in Amsterdam East. From 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM: music, beer and good vibes.
- Chuck E. Cheese celebrates Halloween with BOO-TACULAR™. The largest family Halloween event in the U.S.!
- The Lievergoed Collection acquired ownership of Castle Maurick in Vught, 10 years after start of operations.
- the iconic MONOPOLY® Game at McDonald’s is making a comeback in the U.S. for the first time in nearly a decade.
- In the North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, restaurant Atomix is named The Best Restaurant in North America.
- Six Flags Over Texas is announcing the ‘Tormenta Rampaging Run’, a record-breaking, adrenaline-pumping roller coaster that will redefine the thrill-seeker experience!
- Bibi van der Velden has been appointed as the official in-house jeweler of Rosewood Amsterdam.
- What will Tourism look like in 2035? Four scenarios for the Future of Travel in Europe. A report by the European Travel Commission in cooperation with Dr. Albert Postma (lector Transformative Foresight in Leisure, Tourism & Hospitality)) at the European Tourism Futures Institute (ETFI) of NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences.
Enjoy reading!
‘Unbox the Rave’ at THE ENTOURAGE GROUP restaurants during ADE
3-10-2025
During the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE, from Wednesday, October 22 to Sunday, October 26, 2025), THE ENTOURAGE GROUP brings the energy of the dance floor to the table. This year, it’s not just about a dessert, but a complete experience. With an exclusive sweet line-up, ‘Unbox the Rave’ gives you exactly the boost you need, whether to recharge from the previous party or to gear up for the next one. Check out the article to see what “unboxing” at their restaurants entails.
2 minutes read
Julius Meinl is serving coffee with a surprise for International Coffee Day
29-9-2025
This International Coffee Day, premium Vienna-based roaster Julius Meinl invites coffee lovers to pause, connect, and celebrate the joy found in every cup. On October 1st 2025, customers visiting participating cafés and outlets serving Julius Meinl will receive a Scratch & Win card with their coffee purchase – offering the chance to win another coffee for free, on the spot.*
Another great example of how you can capitalise on international days!
1 minute read
Trends we spotted | Week 39
29-9-2025
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:
- Ruby x ADE. Ruby Hotel Amsterdam celebrates Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) with a boutique stage for music, culture and unexpected moments in intimate setting.
- Restaurant La Mar celebrates 20 years of Peruvian culinary excellence with ‘La Mar Around the World’ menu.
- A new research-backed initiative sees physicians recommending trips to Sweden for the health benefits. ‘Sweden, first country on prescription’ by Visit Sweden.
- Hot Slices, Cold Drinks. A collab between Siegfried Gin and Domino’s Pizza Germany results in 2 small bottles of gin inspired by bestsellers pizza’s.
- The spooky season is arriving! Red Robin conjures up a Mega Monster Burger and a Mad Scientist Margarita.
- Starbucks named official coffee partner of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Team USA.
- October 3 means it’s time for Leidens Ontzet – and at Snackcafé de Gaper this is celebrated in style! From 12:00 to 18:00, locals can stop by for refined snacks.
- World Tourism Day – Stefan Hartman of NHL Stenden wrote a vision: ‘Use tourism to strengthen broad prosperity, not just the economy’.
Enjoy reading!
‘Cakes & Cocktails Fit for a Queen’ at The Berkeley
25-9-2025
The Berkeley hotel in Knightsbridge unveiled a dazzling collaboration with legendary shoe designer Manolo Blahnik, celebrating the Marie Antoinette Style exhibition at the Victoria & Albert museum (V&A) South Kensington. Cakes & Cocktails Fit for a Queen launched on September 19 2025 and the Marie Antoinette Style package runs till March 26th 2026.
2 minutes read
Bagels & Beans introduces SoundBrews | A perfect blend of coffee and music
25-9-2025
Starting tomorrow, September 26, Bagels & Beans is launching SoundBrews: five music playlists paired with five different coffee varieties. Guests can experience how taste and sound enhance one another, with a giveaway full of coffee and music prizes as an extra treat. The campaign (from 26 September to 26 October inclusive) also coincides with their Animal Week (October 4–11), featuring the special Pu(m)pkin Spice Furryccino!
2 minutes read
Young Entrepreneurs & new locations | Bouillon d’Amsterdam, Friethuys Schaijk and Spaghetteria Leiden
22-9-2025
Every day, we spot fun and inspiring new concepts. This week, the concept of Parisian bouillon restaurants is also coming to our capital city early next year: Bouillon d’Amsterdam! A renovation of Friethuys Schaijk and in Leiden, preparations are in full swing for the opening of a Spaghetteria location.
Bouillon d’Amsterdam in the Hotel Die Port van Cleve promises high-quality food at a fair price! With dishes at affordable prices (€3 to €16), the owners aim to appeal to a big audience. Friethuys Schaijk, owned by Bart Bernsen and Luuk Vos, was renovated in three weeks and has a fresh, contemporary design for a traditional snack bar. And in Leiden, a new Spaghetteria location will open at Lange Mare 40, in October.
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams the best of luck and lots of fun with their new and renovated concepts.
3 minutes read
Opened in Amsterdam, restaurant char.d
22-9-2025
Top chefs and friends Dean Baker and Slava Nazaryan have realized their shared dream with the opening of restaurant char.d on Utrechtsestraat in Amsterdam. The name refers to charring, a cooking technique in which ingredients are slowly grilled over charcoal or wood, or prepared at high temperatures. At char.d, modern barbecue techniques and high-quality, fresh ingredients take center stage, resulting in a simple yet flavourful menu full of depth and complexity.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 38
19-9-2025
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:
- Heineken Hoek on the Leidseplein in Amsterdam gets a new bistro concept, hearty food without fuss.
- Central Perk Coffeehouse, the iconic Friends hangout, is coming to Times Square this fall.
- The Belgium Sake Festival will take place on Octobre 4 & 5 in Antwerp.
- Restaurant Suus, the restaurant of Hotel De Plesman and culinary hotspot in The Hague, has a new chef and a new menu. And their deli Suusje has opened.
- Great tiny gesture: Scarlet Letter cocktail at Mr. Fogg’s in London.
- Mandarin Oriental will debut Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai in October 2025, located in the iconic Wasl Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road.
- Radisson Hotel Group opens Radisson Collection The National Hotel, Brussels, located at the prestigious The National Golf Brussels, 15 minutes from the city centre.
- We recently came across a great example of HosPETality – a BARKUTERIE Board – at BrewDog South Eveleigh in Australia!
- The first NYC Bakery Run takes place this weekend, we wonder when the first Bakery Run will be held in Amsterdam?
Enjoy reading!
CAMARAT Amsterdam - Enjoying ‘The New Noord Cuisine’ 
CAMARAT Amsterdam - Enjoying ‘The New Noord Cuisine’ 
CAMARAT Amsterdam - Enjoying ‘The New Noord Cuisine’ 
From part-time job to second Bagels & Beans location - Melissa and Malik take over Bagels & Beans Gouda
Loetje opens its 39th location in the heart of Tilburg in 2026
