Trends we spotted | Week 26

27-6-2025

  • Ruby Group announces its first hotel in Greece - image Ruby FlorenceRuby Group announces its first hotel in Greece - image Ruby Florence
  • Trends we spotted
  • Accor Nederland is official partners of WorldPride 2026 credits Chantalle LaurentAccor Nederland is official partner of WorldPride 2026 credits Chantalle Laurent
  • J Hotel Shanghai Tower is atop the tallest skyscraper in China and third-tallest in the worldJ Hotel Shanghai Tower is atop the tallest skyscraper in China and third-tallest in the world
  • Lil McDonald's Happy Meal in the USLil McDonald's Happy Meal in the US
  • Color-inspired cocktail menu - LuminAir X Lynn SpoorColor-inspired cocktail menu - LuminAir X Lynn Spoor
  • Safety Sneakers by RedbrickSafety Sneakers by Redbrick
  • Ruby Group announces its first hotel in Greece - image Ruby FlorenceRuby Group announces its first hotel in Greece - image Ruby Florence
  • Trends we spotted
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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!

Zoo ice cream by BoBa in Barcelona

Spotted at the Instagram of Rachel Samson: the Zoo ice cream by BoBa Barcelona, on the C/Ribes 33. Their zoo ice cream looks delicious and funny! They serve a frog, lion, seal, pig and a bunny. Check out their Instagram in the link in the title or the reel below!

 

Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken

 

Een bericht gedeeld door Rachel Samson (@stickaforkinme)

Accor Netherlands official hotel partner for WorldPride 2026 in Amsterdam

Preparations for WorldPride 2026 are underway, as Amsterdam takes over hosting duties from Washington D.C. Known for its inclusivity and LGBTQ+ history, the city will welcome visitors from around the globe. Accor, with 25 hotels and 5,400 rooms in Amsterdam, has been named the official hotel partner, ensuring safe and welcoming accommodations for activists and guests.

“By sponsoring rooms, Accor enables us to run our scholarship program,” said Lucien Spee de Castillo Ruiz, Director of WorldPride 2026. Erwin van der Graaf (Accor): “This partnership is a perfect fit with our values of inclusion and diversity.” ACCOR has long supported the LGBTQI+ community through events and internal training, including its Diversity Awareness Guide.

WorldPride 2026 will take place from 25 July to 8 August. The official website launches on 3 August 2025. The partnership was signed on 21 May at the MGallery INK Hotel.

Color-inspired cocktail menu | LuminAir X Lynn Spoor

LuminAir, the bar above Amsterdam, presents The Menu of Colors, a new cocktail menu inspired by the spectrum of prism light. Seven colors — from red to violet — each represent a unique cocktail, created by head bartender Alejandro Saravia and his team. Flavors range from pandan-pistachio (green) to apricot-amaretto (orange). Artist Lynn Spoor contributed a vibrant artwork reflecting the menu’s theme, now on display at LuminAir. The menu will be available for a full year, with rotating specials and activations for each color. Kicking things off: Violet, featuring the Purple Pearl with whisky, vermouth, and blackberry.

Bitterballen Claw Machine at DUS

DUS Utrecht (De Utrechtse Stadsvrijheid) revealed their latest addition on Instagram this week: a bitterballen (the Dutch savoury delicacy) claw machine (check it out in the reel below). A brilliant gimmick, right? It reminds us of the unique serving methods at Barton G in places like Los Angeles and Miami. You’ll find the link to their website in the title.

Safety Sneakers by Redbrick | Tough work shoes with the look of casual trainers

Redbrick is known for its iconic Safety Sneakers: tough work shoes with the look of casual trainers. And now there is an all-new line, more sophisticated, stylish and comfortable than ever. More details on their website, link in the title.

Tuna Fight Club | A wild dining experience in a Fish + Meat shop

Imagine a 300kg bluefin tuna flown in from Spain, cut and prepared right before your eyes. Spotted in an Instagram reel (see below) by Eating With Tod: this happens every Saturday evening at the Tuna Fight Club. The event takes place at the Notting Hill Fish + Meat Shop. Reservations are online only – check the link in the title. A great idea for restaurants looking to collaborate with fishmongers!

 

Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken

 

Een bericht gedeeld door Eating With Tod (@eatingwithtod)

Lil MacDonald’s Happy Meal | Make-believe magic with 21 mini toys in the US

On July 1, fans across the U.S. can bring a pocket-size piece of McDonald’s home with one of 21 miniature toys. For years, the Golden Arches’ youngest fans have turned living rooms into drive-thrus and backyard playhouses into McDonald’s kitchens, serving smiles with a side of imagination. This summer, McDonald’s is bringing fans the make-believe magic they love with the Lil McDonald’s Happy Meal®. We love the idea of the 21 mini toys inspired by what families see at their restaurants. Think a teeny register, tiny fries to an itty-bitty Boo Bucket and kids can play McDonald’s like never before. On July 19 and 20, they’re bringing McDonald’s to life in Los Angeles with a larger-than-life Lil McDonald’s experience where the Lil McDonald’s collection becomes life-size for big family fun. We love the idea! More details in the press release, link in the title.

Ruby Group announces its first hotel in Greece, opening in 2027 in central Athens near Omonia Square

The Lean Luxury hotel will feature 114 rooms, a 24/7 bar, breakfast area, rooftop bar with pool, and a private rooftop terrace. Developed in partnership with Primetown Development and IHG Hotels & Resorts (which acquired Ruby in February 2025), the project targets both travelers and locals seeking a stylish base in the city. Ideally located near key landmarks and public transport, this launch strengthens Ruby and IHG’s presence in Southern Europe and responds to growing demand for design-forward lifestyle hotels in major tourist destinations like Athens. More details in their press release, link in the title.

J Hotel Shanghai Tower is atop the tallest skyscraper in China and third-tallest in the world

J Hotel Shanghai Tower welcomes global travelers to a cloud-piercing stay. J Hotel Shanghai Tower offers a once-in-a-lifetime luxury experience atop China’s tallest skyscraper and the world’s third-highest. Spanning floors 84 to 120, this flagship of Jin Jiang Radisson Hotels features 165 spacious rooms and suites with breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline, from the Bund to Pudong.

Guests can enjoy seven unique restaurants and bars, including Heavenly Jin, the world’s highest restaurant, and authentic Chinese, Japanese, and Italian cuisine. Wellness facilities include a skyline pool, Technogym fitness center, and a serene yoga space. More details on their website and in the press release in the link in the title.

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