The buzz: The Summerhouse is an English countryside-inspired restaurant, garden and bar at The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park, housed in a gorgeous huge conservation bungalow. Run by the 1-Group, the people who have brought you things like 1-Altitude and The Garage, The Summerhouse brings together all the big trends and trending players in Singapore’s F&B: produce sourced from a local farm collectives and kelongs (ok, and Malaysia); coffee by Nomad the Gallant; some on-site farming thanks to good ol’ Edible Gardens; and lots of other little touches.
The vibe: The two-story black and white bungalow has sprawling verandahs, verdant yards, floral upholstery, high ceilings, ceilinged mirrors, beautifully restored old floors, garden dining domes and even a pavilion perfect for weddings. In the backyard, they have an edible garden where they harvest fresh produce to be used in their cooking.
The food: The food here is submile, due in no small part to the attention to produce. While individual plating was the focus when they first opened, The Summerhouse has since revamped it’s menu in early 2018 to be more communal.
Start by not skipping the breads. The grilled rye breads are perfect for getting a taste of their homemade butter—a creamy, silky-smooth blend that’s difficult to resist. For appetizers, go for the stewed eggplant ($14) and avocado ($14) dishes. The former is a well-spiced item great for opening the palate, while the latter is an interesting, healthy option good for two to share.
The mains are where the menu truly shines. A standout is the smoked butter poached red snapper fillet ($42) served with grilled asparagus. The savory espuma pairs very well with the delicate texture of the fish and never feels overwhelming even after the umpteenth bite. The wood-fired free range French poulet ($28) with stuffing and the kurobuta sausage ragout ($26) are also fan favorites. If you’re still hankering for more after all that, do try the green and purple sweet potato leaves ($14), picked from their own garden, then topped with anchovy crème fraiche and bacon bits, that makes for the perfect light snack.
The drinks: Besides the food, they’ve also incorporated nature elements to keep in line with the obvious on-going theme here. We especailly liked their signature Beetroot Hisbiscus Sling ($21), a concoction of Grey Goose vodka, beetroot juice, hibiscus, rosella, cherry brandy and Chambord liqueur that’s perfect for anyone who prefers a light but tasty cocktail on a hot Sunday afternoon. Other cocktails include their Kaya Martini (Kraken spiced rum, pandan kaya, Malibu rum, coconut cream and white), Butterfly Pea Martini (Ink gin, Dolin sweet Vermouth and fresh butterfly pea flowers, $21) and a whole bunch of whimsical drinks under their garden martinis, all going for $21. You can also opt for natural and organic wines going at retail prices at their Cellar Door bottle shop. No corkage charge for buying and drinking on the spot.
Why you’ll be back: You love the chill vibe of this upcoming food sanctuary and you want some quiet time with your loved ones, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
