09/08/2022
Welcome to Mr Foster's.
A cafe with a difference. Opened the 02/02/2022.
An easy and austere date for me to remember. At 121 Southwest Highway, Balingup. 6253.
"Expect the unexpected at Mr Foster's" is one of our catch cries. Another spruik is GOOD FOOD GOOD MOOD. The custom we've had so far have been a bit surprised ,in a good way, at what we present. I often tell customers that even a sandwich must look pretty.
We're a little obscure and you wouldn't notice us as you enter town. The building for all intensive purposes is a big shed. "THE PACKING SHED" in fact. Internally the bowel timbers of this building are an architectural wonder for it's age and size to have been so well preserved, and worth a look alone. As you move deeper into these bowls you will discover art, culture and the history of both our time here and that of our indigenous brothers and sisters. The heritage society have maintained an exhibition space here for years and been an important part of the story of Balingup and recently a few months ago The Indigenous Cultural Exhibition opened, spear headed by our local elder Sandra Hill. I believe one of the most important exhibitions to have graced any walls in the south West ever.
As you enter from the North you will see the shed on your right. Our alfresco dining and counter on the terrace is hidden by the garden at the front, which is a bit over grown, but we like it like that. It adds to the charm of the terrace and makes it feel a little more intimate and the leafy greenery in summer is delightful. It has been regularly suggested i cut it down to be more visible, but the business is growing rapidly enough by word of mouth, to the point that it is only now after 6 months of trade that I've had the time to actually get a page together.
A LITTLE HISTORY/GOSSIP. Re the Cafe 🧐
Tammy Chapman, A well known local identity started this business over a decade ago and soon gained a reputation and following for her expertise in making some of the best pies, pastries and sweet delights in the South West. Tammy had previously baked and cooked at the mushroom cafe across the road from us and brought that experience into her own en-devours when she crossed the street to create THE OLDE SHED CAFE.
Along with her baked goods, Tammy became known for fabulous breakfasts, burgers, Swiss melts, belt's, blats, blt's and on it goes.
While i was a customer of Tammy's , a bit stuck on the potato, garlic and spinach parcel, I once said to her, "Why don't you enter these pie making competitions that others enter" her reply. I don't have the time or need to, I am busy enough and struggle to keep up with production as it is!" Fair enough. And now after having had the business for 6 months, being blessed with the staff that I've inherited and Tammy coming back to work for us, the cafe is continuing this reputation and now i understand why there is no need for medals and awards. The proof is in the puddin as they say or the pie if you like.
Anyway, to cut an already long story short. Tammy sold the business in 2021. I looked into it and my family and mates talked me out of it due to health reasons i had at the time. A lovely lady from Donnybrook bought the business and 9 months into her tenure i felt i was ready. I approached Chantelle to no avail. Left my number and moved on.
5 weeks later an opportunity came up for Chantelle in Donnybrook and she took it. The rest is history. I asked Tammy to come to work and was blessed that she agreed to come back to work in her own business for a few days a week teaching me the tricks of her trade.
Since then we have introduced chalk board specials, a la carte dining, take away gourmet meals, long table diners, private functions and outside catering.
So come check us out, we're awesome!
GOOD FOOD GOOD MOOD and
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED.
