Trends we spotted | Week 12

23-3-2026

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:

• Padbol, an energetic Argentine game that combines padel and football on a fenced-off court.
• Lighthouse is launching the first ChatGPT app for direct hotel bookings, featuring AI-driven, reliable hotel information.
• 24H Chefs, a biennial initiative with Gault&Millau, sees top chefs cook for 24 hours to raise funds for War Child and the Prinses Máxima Centrum.
• Bagels & Beans is expanding to nearly 100 locations, preparing for international expansion and appointing Carolien Vergouwe as managing director.
• The ‘Wissel ’ns Wat!’ campaign encourages the Dutch to make plant-based choices and offers a newsroom on the protein transition.
• Design & Wijn, in collaboration with Wijngoed Gelders Laren, is launching Portique, a Dutch port-style wine in a limited edition of just 438 bottles.
• Le Pain Quotidien is opening a location at Designer Outlet Roermond, thereby expanding its presence in the Netherlands.
• HEINEKEN has reached 1,500 alcohol-free tap points in The Netherlands and is promoting responsible 0.0 draught beer consumption at sports clubs.
• Het Noorden celebrates its 160th anniversary with Noorden Blond, a speciality beer brewed by Brouwerij Wentersch.
• Nine new properties join the global Relais & Châteaux collection.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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‘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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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