From the people that brought you unembellished English steaks for 30 years, comes its sister outlet, Fosters – an English rose café and restaurant. Having been around since 1957, the flagship genteel Fosters with its olde charm evolved from the Tudor beans at Amber Mansion , to the cozy interiors of Specialist Shopping Centre to the elegant basement of Palais Renaissance and now to its latest abode at Holland Avenue .

Nestled in the midst of many trendy and hip shophouses in Holland Village , Fosters Café is the place you have been dreaming of. On a sultry day, you would love to spend a lazy afternoon having a heart-to-heart talk with your girlfriends over a cup of piping hot tea at Fosters. At night, it becomes an amorous setting perfect for your beau to blow sweet whispers into your ears as you enjoy some mouth-watering good food.

• The Vibe
  Foster's air-conditioned interiors radiate a cozy cottage feel. The yellow walls contrasts starkly with the comfy red armchairs. Such brilliant use of colors instantly brightens up your lethargic mood. Coupled with the wooden flooring, it gives a laid-back touch and makes the English café extremely inviting.

  Adorning the wall on the right of the entrance is a large red rose oil painting which gloriously adds focus to the setting. Its homely feel can be accrued to the bookshelves that are nailed to the wall. Some decorative items including thick hard-cover books, plush toys and several glass jars containing pasta and grains are placed on top of the book shelves. On the walls, you may also find black and white pictures framed artistically in a black rim or a collection of old postcards pasted neatly together, exuding a sense of nostalgia.

  On the flipside, the alfresco area is tropical Balinese, boasting an adorable water feature with some goldfishes in it. The use of ferns and vines help to enhance the enchanting yet casual ambience.

• The Food
  If you are in the vicinity from 3pm - 6pm, do not hesitate to go for an afternoon tea at Fosters. It's Devonshire Cream Tea ($9.50) is what Fosters is famous for. This hearty wholesome English fare includes its signature oven hot scones, cake, sandwiches accompanied with butter, homemade strawberry preserve and fresh cream. Of course, it also comes with a cup of luxurious cream tea.

  Don't fret if you missed the afternoon tea. Fosters also have an appealing array of food for lunch and dinner. Commence your meal with the Deep Fried Calamari ($8.50). To prep yourself for the main course, the fresh squids are fried to golden brown so that its crispy but non-oily texture triggers delight throughout your senses.

  For the main course, Fosters pride themselves on their Fillet Fantastique ($36) – prime fillet on a bed of fried onions crowned with black field mushrooms and market vegetables. Fosters' beef is freshly flown from New Zealand and are aged to perfection. This handsome cut of meat though slightly dry on the outside, retains its juicy effervescence inside.

  Another specialty would be the Fish and Chips ($21) – Fillet of Atlantic cod, deep fried till golden brown served with mesculin salad and fried potato wedges. The two slabs of fish are extremely fresh and juicy. Indeed, it is sheer bliss the moment you sink your teeth into it. Moreover, its crispy batter contains some parsley bits which keep each bite refreshing and tasty. This is unlike other fried fish dishes which you would get tired of the plain batter quickly.

  The Oxtail Stew ($19) – oxtail simmered painstakingly for hours and served with mashed potatoes and garden vegetables also merits a try. Its gravy is rich and had well-rounded flavors. The meat is also soft and tender and is lip-smacking good!

• The Service
  Fosters' service staff are youthful and vibrant, hence are quick in their service. Serving crowds of about the same age group, they can certainly strike a cord with the customers. To cater to the likes of the younger crowd, Fosters also has live music every night, starting from 715pm until 1030pm. They would even allow you to dedicate songs to your loved ones!

The SD Food Advisor's take on Fosters Cafe
Not only is the food of premium quality, its portions are large enough for a more-than-filling meal. A little hideout perfect for either a chill-out session with friends or a romantic dinner with a partner, you will definitely appreciate this cozy little space.