MGallery Collection and chef Pam reimagine ‘the art of bar’

24-4-2026

Each year, World Cocktail Month sees MGallery Collection celebrate the art of mixology across its properties worldwide, turning the bar into a stage for creativity and connection. This year, MGallery Collection invites guests to experience the bar as a destination in its own right, ‘the art of bar’. In collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij, the boutique hotel collection unveils an immersive pairing concept that transforms an evening drink into a curated gastronomic ritual, through the art of pairing cocktails and exquisite bites. World Cocktail Day is on May 13.

2 minutes read

read more

Trends we spotted | Week 16

21-4-2026

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:

• Dutch startup WhiskyCircle has launched its mobile app in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. “The Vivino/Untappd for whisky” is now available.
• Tricorp Workwear introduces TRIFIT, an AI-powered ‘fitting experience’ that allows users to digitally compose, visualize, and share workwear outfits.
• On April 30, 2026, a new hospitality concept will open on the Baltic coast of Rügen: ‘The Baltic View’, a premium alternative positioned between a traditional luxury hotel and high-end private living.
• Dogstronomy? In Lyon, Ornella launched this playful concept centered around dog nutrition.
• The Berkeley Hotel in London has introduced a new cocktail menu at The Berkeley Bar & Terrace: the SW1 Sips menu (a reference to the postcode).
• Pim Lammertse is now at the helm of two beach pavilions in Wijk aan Zee. Since early this year, he has been the owner of Aloha, and as of May 1, he will also take over the neighboring Timboektoe.
• Sparkling espresso, also known as an espresso bom? A striking drink made with espresso, sparkling water, salt, lime, and lemon.
• We still think it’s a great idea from Café De Gaper in Leiden: royal snacking, but a shot in the colors of the flag is also a fun addition. Spotted at Café Kooper in Amsterdam.

Enjoy reading!

read more

Claridge’s X The Newt in Somerset | Rural charm meets Art Deco elegance in Mayfair

17-4-2026

This May, the Claridge’s hotel partners with The Newt in Somerset, one of the UK’s leading country estates, bringing a taste of the countryside to London following its involvement in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Running from 18 to 31 May 2026, the two-week collaboration celebrates the best of town and country through installations, menus, and exclusive guest experiences under the name: Claridge’s X The Newt in Somerset.

2 minutes read

read more

Bites launches on ChatGPT | Unlocking AI-powered direct ordering

17-4-2026

Bites, the first AI-native food ordering platform, recently announced the launch of its ordering experience on ChatGPT, enabling restaurants and point-of-sale (POS) platforms to capture demand through conversational AI. The launch enables diners to discover, browse, and place orders directly within ChatGPT without any price markups or marketplace service fees.

As Bites explains on its website, their platform offers a solution for everyone who overpays for food delivery, both diners and restaurants. The company started in California, where most participating restaurants are located, but it already includes participants from across the United States. We’re curious to see whether Bites will also launch in Europe, or if similar platforms will emerge here.

3 minutes read

read more

Trends we spotted | Week 15

13-4-2026

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:

• Eberhardjes, the heart-shaped butter biscuits from Amsterdam, are launching a limited-edition pack this month in collaboration with Schiphol, to mark the 100th anniversary of the connection between the city of Amsterdam and the airport.
• Over the past ten years, the Verspillingsfabriek (the Waste Factory) has grown into an impactful production site where circularity, taste and social value come together.
• Since 2024, there has been a ban on single-use plastic cups at events in the Netherlands, but research by the ‘Inspectie Leefomgeving & Transport’(Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate) (ILT) in 2025 shows that the sector is failing to comply. They announced stricter enforcement.
• From 14 to 17 April 2026, Interclean Amsterdam, an international trade fair for the cleaning and hygiene sector, will take place at the RAI Amsterdam. It will conclude with a ‘Feel Good Friday’, a themed day exploring the role of cleaning in the hospitality experience.
• KFC in the US released a single, ‘Finger Lickin’ Machine’. They hope the track will be a new contender for the season’s most popular track. Introduced in combination with a Value-feast meal.
• AI voice agent Rachel called 3,000 Irish pubs to reconstruct the Guinness Price Index.
• McCain Foods launched ‘Brew City® Beer Battered Potato Waves’: a crispy, wavy potato innovation for the hospitality sector in the US and Canada.
• From 21 April, McDonald’s in the US is expanding its value-for-money offering by giving fans more choice on the McValue® menu.
• The Berkeley in London will reopen its exclusive rooftop terrace to the public again in summer 2026. The organize ‘Capri in the City’ near their rooftop pool, for the second year running.
• McDonald’s in Türkiye launched a ‘Drink & Drive’-campaign to raise awareness of road safety. Starring their McCafé.

Enjoy reading!

read more

Trends we spotted | Week 14

7-4-2026

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:

• Funny April Fools’ Day jokes: the Friturette from Snacksalon de Schelp and the orange oysters from Pesca.
• Restaurant Aroma is closing and is offering a special way to say goodbye with a menu in 19 scenes.
• On April 22 and 23 2026, the Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam will take place for independent hoteliers and boutique hotel professionals.
• Marriott International and the Leali family are launching a joint venture to add Lefay, the luxury wellness hotel brand, to the Marriott portfolio.
• Pup flight or a Bark-cuterie at the Wasserhund Brewing Company pop-up.
• KFC in Spain is transforming its restaurant signs into giant döner skewers.
• A new season brings new products to the Dutch fastfood-chain Family: the Peanut Butter Shake and the Chicken Smashburger.
• Radisson Hotel Group opens the Radisson Hotel Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hoofddorp.
• Fletcher Hotels expands its international presence with the acquisition of the Parkhotel Olsberg-Winterberg in Germany.

Enjoy reading!

read more

Trends we spotted | Week 13

31-3-2026

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:

• Horecava is taking the next step in its culinary positioning with the arrival of the Gault&Millau Netherlands guide launch in Amsterdam.
• Speaking of April Fools’ jokes: BJ’s Restaurants is launching a bold Pizookie with a sweet-and-savory twist on April 1 — the ‘Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookie®’.
• Planet Hollywood has announced plans to open a large-scale resort, including hotels, a casino, and an entertainment complex, in Tbilisi.
• Travel and Tour World recently published its list of the 50 safest travel destinations for 2026. Due to geopolitical tensions, travelers are increasingly choosing stable countries with strong infrastructure and reliable systems. Find out where the Netherlands ranks!
• Anantara Ubud Bali Resort has recently launched an initiative to release the endangered Bali starling (a bird species) into the jungle. The first two pairs will be released on Earth Day.
• Grubhub is launching a pilot program for drone delivery by Dexa at Wonder in Green Brook, New Jersey.
• NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, in collaboration with Planteray Rum, has completed the world’s first certified underwater rum aging process.
• This week, among others: we spotted  ‘Wearable Cones’ on Instagram, handy for the ice cream season? And a funny April Fools’ post by the Nuttington Post about ‘McSushi’.

Enjoy reading!

read more

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.

Enjoy reading!

read more

Layan Life by Anantara | A new generation of women-focused longevity retreats

23-3-2026

Layan Life by Anantara, the brand’s flagship wellness retreat at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, introduces a new collection of women-focused longevity retreats designed to support and empower women at every life stage. From tech-overloaded teens to women navigating midlife hormonal changes and those seeking strength and vitality later in life, the programmes address evolving wellbeing needs.

2 minutes read

read more

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

read more