Eating Out: Taste of things to come - Hot, happening and opening soon

Yesterday saw the opening of Sir Rocco Forte's much heralded five-star St David's Hotel & Spa in Cardiff and its fine-dining restaurant Tides (01222 454 045). Heading the kitchens is Martin Green from London's Connaught, an expert in classic French cooking. He's using mainly local ingredients to produce such dishes as fillet of Saltmarsh lamb with Provencale couscous, and saddle of rabbit with mustard grain veloute. The restaurant offers spectacular views over the bay through floor-to-ceiling windows.

London's five-strong, Turkish-themed Sofra restaurant chain (0171 493 3320) has introduced a "recession-busting menu". The two-course menu costs pounds 5 at lunchtime and pounds 6.50 at dinner. Starters include hummus and tabule, with main course options of casseroles, grilled kofte and grilled lamb with oregano. The menus will continue as long as the current economic downturn, the chain promises. The restaurants (above) are situated at Shepherd's Market, Charing Cross Road, St Christopher's Place, Mayfair and Tavistock Street.

London's recently launched One Aldwych hotel has opened a similarly trendy cafe, the Cinnamon Bar (0171 300 0800), next door. Open from 7am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday, the cafe specialises in high-energy vegetable- and fruit-juices and numerous varieties of home-baked macaroons. Gourmet sandwiches and soups are also on offer.