Trends we spotted | Week 30

25-7-2025

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:

• Eataly makes its Dutch debut at Schiphol Airport! Enjoy their Italian specialties at Lounge 1.
• For its Summer 2025 menu at the EMEA markets (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Starbucks took inspiration from Treviso, the birthplace of tiramisu. The result? A Tiramisu Cream Cold Foam.
• Another Coffee trend spotted in the US: the Iced Coconut Water Americano.
• Essendi, a leading hotel owner and operator in Europe, announces a strategic partnership with Workplace Pride during Pride Amsterdam 2025. The agreement was signed in their INK Amsterdam hotel.
• KFC’s new marketing campaign features a serious Colonel who ‘would not be happy’ about the brand’s recent market share loss. See how they’re taking on this challenge.
• Lawa blends ‘Mario Kart and Strava’ to make movement fun for teens and brands. Available in the Netherlands and it’s possibly interesting for amusement parks, too.
• Mattel recently launched the first-ever UNO Social Club in Las Vegas—an immersive game night experience combining competition, fun, and social connection. More locations are on the way!
• Spotted on Instagram: ‘unbreakable glasses’ by Djuce Studio. Made from Tritan copolyester and we love the way they look!
• Would you like to play a golf game at your wedding? We’ve also spotted fun mini golf games to enjoy with friends!

Enjoy reading!

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De Lola | The new pod hotel in The Hague’s ‘De Haagse Bluf’

17-7-2025

As of July 16, 2025, you can experience a new way to stay in The Hague. De Lola Podshotel has opened in ‘De Haagse Bluf’ – the very first true pod hotel in The Hague and the Netherlands. No standard rooms here, but cozy sleep pods: compact, stacked cocoons with everything you need for a comfortable stay right in the city center. De Lola brings the smart and efficient sleep concept, already popular in global cities like Tokyo, New York and London, to the Netherlands. The hotel features 62 pods accommodating up to 70 guests, and a contemporary food concept and a stylish retro 70s-inspired lobby.

2 minutes read

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Tompoesje brings a cult classic to the party scene

15-7-2025

A tompouce is a traditional Dutch pastry you’ll find at nearly every bakery in the Netherlands. Some eat it layer by layer, others squash it flat—everyone has their own way of enjoying it. But for those who’d rather toast than tinker, there’s now an alternative: Tompoesje, a shot that captures the familiar flavor of vanilla and puff pastry in liquid form. Tip from the makers: serve it ice-cold for the best experience.

1 minute read

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The Social Hub supports the trans community with ‘Shout it from our Roof’ Initiative

14-7-2025

With the launch of its ‘Shout it from our Roof’ initiative, The Social Hub is giving trans people across Europe a platform — literally and figuratively — to show the world who they are. Everyone is welcome to join the Pride event at The Social Hub Amsterdam City on July 30, starting at 6:00 PM, to celebrate.

2 minutes read

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Trends we spotted | Week 28

14-7-2025

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:

• Nazuna Inc. which operates friendly, luxurious machiya inns in Kyoto, has launched a new experienced-based recruitment model: ‘Stay first, then interview’. An inspiring approach?
• Wouldn’t it be great to have a cookies ATM at your favourite bakery? In Darwin, Australia The Cookie Lab has just that: its very own Cookies ATM.
• The Lobby in Amsterdam has once again affirmed its status as a top wine destination, earning two Wine Spectator’s 2025 Restaurant Awards and they start Cork-Free Mondays.
•  Using local events in your marketing strategy is a classic tactic. The Ivy Collection gives us with a great example with their Centre Court Melting Bombe during Wimbledon.
• As of July 1st, McDonald’s Switzerland has introduced a new twist on their iconic McRaclette burger: a chicken version.
• The Aussie Jawssie cocktail and the Sharky Temple mocktail are back at Outback Steakhouse locations across the US. We love the names and the presentation!
• Check out this interesting on QSR Magazine about KFC’s bold new brand: Saucy by KFC is shaking up the fast food world.
• At International Hotel Capital Partners (IHCP), employees can save for personal dreams through their innovative Bucketlist Programme. Here is a great example of how it works.
• On Thursday, July 17, the terrace of WOLF Food Market in Antwerp will once again transform into an open-air cinema. Expect a screening of the movie Pulp Fiction, a Campari Spritz and an exclusive live BBQ by Rambo.

 Enjoy reading!

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New Summer Drinks | Will we also go for a Sarti Spritz, a Matchatini or a Spicy Sauvy B?

8-7-2025

We’ve been enjoying glorious summer weather for a few weeks now, and the popular seasonal drinks are already known. Mocktails, cocktails, spritz variations, rosé, and white wine remain favourites. Still, we’re seeing some new developments, both here in the Netherlands and around the world. Hard seltzers have firmly established themselves here in the Netherlands, especially at festivals, and alcohol-free beer is becoming increasingly popular. We’re curious whether summer drinks like the Sarti Spritz, the Matchatini, Osan Drinks, Established, and wines such as Kaiken Disobedience from Argentina will become more common. We do have our doubts about the Spicy Sauvy B, but luckily, the choice is yours!

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Trends we spotted | Week 27

4-7-2025

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:

• It’s a Dutch tradition, herring parties to celebrate ‘Hollandse Nieuwe’! This year for the for the 30th time, the Hilton Amsterdam received the first keg by fishmonger Jan van As.
• Chef René Redzepi and the team behind restaurant Noma are heading to Los Angeles in 2026.
• Airbnb is official partner of the Tour de France till 2027 and will offer unique experiences to enjoy the Grande Boucle and the communities surrounding the route.
• Dutch hostel chain Stayokay has launched a playful new campaign: ‘This is not a hostel!’
• With rising temperatures, cooling becomes increasingly important. Skycooler provides a refreshing solution for terraces, sports facilities, events, and smaller indoor spaces.
• Hotel brand ibis continues its European expansion, with recent openings in Belgium, Spain, Estonia, Germany, and upcoming locations in Poland and Hungary. The brand now boasts over 2,500 hotels worldwide.
• Thai street food brand Kaimug is the first restaurant in Germany to introduce a robot chef: the Omni by Botinkit.
• At their recent Leadership Experience event, Starbucks announced their first generative-AI powered solution, Green Dot Assist. This system will support their baristas and other green apron partners.
• Accor’s newest luxury brand, Emblems Collection, blends a storied legacy with a visionary redesign. Fiftheen hotels are in the pipeline, including Rimrock Banff, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa near Bath in the UK and the Elatos Resort in Greece.

Enjoy reading!

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Young entrepreneurs & new locations | Le Smash, Elysianne and Beau

1-7-2025

Every day we spot fun and exciting new concepts. This week: a new Le Smash location in Leiden, restaurant Elysianne in Amsterdam, and Beau in Rotterdam.

Le Smash recently opened its eighth location in the Netherlands at Steenstraat 12 in Leiden. Meanwhile, the ninth location has also already opened in Groningen. Early 2025, restaurant Elysianne opened its doors at Ruysdaelstraat 48 in Amsterdam. Chef Matt Pace and his team serve refined versions of classic Creole dishes from Louisiana. And this Saturday, July 5, Beau will open at Stadhuisplein 23 in Rotterdam—a place to dine, experience, and linger.

We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams the best of luck and lots of fun with their new concepts.

2 minutes read

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Trends we spotted | Week 26

27-6-2025

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:

•  Spotted on Instagram: a bitterballen claw machine! Our ‘bitterballen’ would probably be cold by the time we manage to grab one.😉 Found at DUS in Utrecht.
• Also spotted on Instagram: a fun way to serve ice cream – Zoo Ice Cream by BoBa in Barcelona!
• Also via Instagram: the Tuna Fight Club – a spectacular dining experience at Notting Hill Fish + Meat Shop.
• Accor Netherlands has been named the official hotel partner of WorldPride 2026 in Amsterdam, taking place from July 25 to August 8, 2025.
• LuminAir, the bar above Amsterdam launches The Menu of Colors, a new cocktail menu inspired by prismatic colors. Artist Lynn Spoor created a matching artwork.
• Starting July 1, fans in the U.S. can take home a tiny piece of McDonald’s with one of 21 mini toys from the Lil McDonald’s Happy Meal.
• J Hotel Shanghai Tower is located at the top of China’s tallest skyscraper and the third-highest in the world.
• The Ruby Group will open its first Greek hotel in 2027, right in the heart of Athens, near Omonia Square.
• Redbrick is known for its iconic Safety Sneakers: sturdy work shoes with the look of casual sneakers. A completely renewed collection is now available.

Enjoy reading!

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Trends we spotted | Week 25

23-6-2025

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:

• INK Hotel Amsterdam is turning pink for the tenth time during Pride Amsterdam. This anniversary edition is titled ‘Ten Years of Reflection’. From July 24 through August 3, 2025, it’s called the PINK Hotel.
• Distillers Hotel will bring new life to historic Schiedam distillery. Scheduled to open in 2026.
• Last week Frittenwerk opened their first store in Münich, it’s their 45^th store in Germany.
• KYU NYC, a full-service restaurant, is aiming to shake up the New York City lunch scene with the launch of KYU Grab & Go, pick-up point: the window.
• Another window opened in NYC: Buchette del Vino, the city’s first ‘Florentine Wine Window’.
• We came across ‘The World’s First Sky Beach Club’ on Instagram. The location of the Tribe Sky Beach Club? Emsphere Mall in Bangkok, Thailand.
• Inspiration for beach clubs: a Low Tide Golf Game. Looks like fun!
• A great example of a fun little gesture of hospitality: the VIP #DogPerrignon service from SiSo Beach Mallorca.
• The CuliQuiz Top 100 is a nationwide audience award created for and by the Dutch hospitality industry. Applications are open now and the winners will be announced during Gastvrij Rotterdam. Created together with the Week of Hospitality.
• An event by Hospitality Pact marked the official launch of the new platform Discover Hospitality — the central hub of a national digital campaign designed to inspire young adults to pursue a career in hospitality in the Netherlands.

Enjoy reading!

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