Dutch cafes and lunch rooms are reporting a rise in sales in 2018, due to both economic growth and the long, hot summer, according to research by hospitality industry body Horeca Nederland.

The biggest problem facing cafe and bar owners is finding skilled employees – 50% say staffing is a major issue. And just over one third think there are too many hospitality outlets in their town or city, which is leading to intense competition for customers.

In Rotterdam, for example, the situation has reached ‘overkill’, Horeca Nederland chairman Robèr Willemsen told broadcaster NOS.

‘Numerous places have gone bust in recent years,’ he said. ‘Lots of licences have been handed out but if the economy turns, they will collapse, one after the other.’

Meanwhile, hospitality research institute FSIN, says the Dutch are spending more money on takeaway food and supermarket home deliveries.

The meal delivery sector rose over 13% in turnover last year to €1.7bn, FSIN said while classic cafes and restaurants saw overall turnover rise 6%.

The full cafe terraces in 2018 illustrate the shifts in lifestyle, particularly among the young, FSIN director Jan-Willem Grievink said. ‘And consumers who do eat at home, are increasingly opting for ease and luxury,’ he said.