ROOTS CAFÉ
Nestled within the Estate’s picturesque surroundings, this comfortable café brings Suffolk’s finest to your table with a menu of locally-sourced dishes and refreshments.
TODAY’S OPENING TIMES
- Roots Café 09:00 – 16:00
Address
Blackthorpe Barn, Rougham,
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
SatNav: IP30 9HZ
What3Words: ///newly.sofas.debating
ABOUT ROOTS CAFÉ
Welcome to our café, Roots, nestled in the heart of the Blackthorpe Barn complex on Rougham Estate.
With a storied history spanning decades, this location is a convenient out-of-town chill-out spot to meet up, a cosy gathering place for the community, now open throughout the year. For breakfast, lunch, coffee and cake, we hope Roots will become your go-to destination. Everyone is welcome: walkers, cyclists, families and dogs.
Open every day, including Bank Holidays.
Closed on 24th, 25th and 26th December.
Reservations for groups of 8 or more only.
No bookings taken between 20 October and 15 December.
Blackthorpe Barn is a step-free location with dedicated accessible parking near the entrance and two accessible toilets, one of which is in the cafe, and one in the courtyard.
Find out more and buy Rougham Estate gift vouchers by clicking here. (Opens in new tab)
Important Info
First come, First served
We operate on a first come, first served basis and only take reservations for groups of 8 or more.
Children
Come and visit as a family; there is a section on the menu specifically for children. Highchairs are available as well as a baby-changing unit.
Take-Away Available
Teas, coffees and cakes are available to take with you – perfect when taking the dog for a walk. Order at the front counter.
Dogs Welcome
Dogs are welcome in the café with a paws-on-the-floor policy and they will be welcomed with their own bowl of water.
Dietary Requirements
Vegans and vegetarians are catered for, and, whilst we do our utmost to accommodate dietary and allergy requirements, gluten, nuts and animal products are used in the kitchen.
We do stock gluten-free bread and serve some gluten-free dishes. Please ask if you have any queries when ordering.
Parking
There is plenty of free parking available, including accessible parking.
Christmas Opening and Bookings
- The café is open every day except 24th, 25th and 26th December, when we are closed.
- No reservations are taken for dates between 20th October and 15th December.
Reservations for groups of 8 or more only
Larger groups can book a table in advance at Roots Café:
* Reservations for groups of 8 or more only
* Unfortunately we can’t take same-day bookings
* Reservations are only confirmed when you receive a confirmation email from us
* For groups of 10 or more, we will ask you to pre-order to help the kitchen
* No bookings are being taken between 20 October and 15 December 2025
To reserve a table, email rootscafe@roughamestate.com
If you know that you no longer require your reservation or if your party is significantly different in size to what was booked, please let us know as soon possible
Download our Menus
Allergen Information
Please inform our waiting staff of any food allergies before ordering.
Our menu gives general guidance about ingredients which may affect those with food intolerance and allergies.
Please note, however, that our kitchen handles many types of food and drink each day and although we do our very best to avoid cross-contamination, we cannot guarantee this does not happen. Ultimately, the final choice about what to eat rests with you.
USING LOCALLY-SOURCED PRODUCE
The ambiance of Roots Café beautifully blends the rich history of Rougham Estate with a touch of modern, quirky elegance. Our eclectic decor echoes local stories, with pieces reflecting a unique chapter of the Estate’s tale.
But the attraction is not just visual; we bring Suffolk’s finest to your table with a menu of locally-sourced dishes and refreshments, showcasing the best seasonal ingredients as far as possible. Here’s a map of our lovely suppliers, with many products also available in the Roots Pantry Shop.
Food locality map
Roots Pantry Shop
A curated selection of locally-sourced food and drink, available to buy at the café, makes it easy for you to take the essence of Suffolk home with you.
From homemade preserves and honeys that capture the flavours of the region to handcrafted beers, locally-made cookies, doggie treats and much more, this little Pantry Shop provides a delicious touch of indulgence.
Discover our local honey
Gently made by bees gathering pollen from the lush meadows and vibrant blossoms of Rougham Estate, each jar encapsulates the harmony of the surrounding landscape.
Locally-brewed beer and distilled spirits
Buying local produce reduces the carbon-footprint, and these award-winning beers, ales and spirits are made right here in Suffolk.
Chocolates and sweets
If you’re looking for a little indulgence to take with you, we have chocolates, sweets, cookies and much more.
Gift Vouchers for the café and shop
Treat someone special to a memorable visit to Rougham Estate with a gift voucher for both Roots Café and the Shop. Whether it’s coffee and a tasty brunch at Roots Café, a unique find from the Garden Room Shop, something beautiful for Christmas (from mid-October to December, including Christmas trees) or a luxury treat from the Pantry Shop, your gift voucher is valid for 1 year from the time of purchase and can be used over multiple visits.
GALLERY
Comments
Where to find us
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
SatNav: IP30 9HZ
Plenty of free parking on site
Please keep to the 5mph speed limit
Disabled access available
This is a rural location and paths can be muddy
The car parks close when Roots Café closes and the entrance gates are locked after this time
Blackthorpe Barn is situated just south of Junction 45 of the A14, three miles east of Bury St Edmunds, in the village of Rougham.
Look out for the entrance gates to a long tree-lined avenue at the White House junction, with the Barn on the right of the avenue.
Blackthorpe Barn’s black and white signs direct visitors from local roads.
Keep your eyes peeled
Throughout the café there are surprises to be found, from wooden crows in the rafters to doves on the dovecote (yes, you can take your tea in the dovecote) to old photographs of Rougham Estate and other wonderful and poignant items. Many are old and from the Estate and others have been handcrafted especially for Roots Café.
Can you guess which is which? Can you work out how certain items relate to the Estate? You might like to look at the history of the Estate to get some clues. Enjoy looking around and seeing what you can spot – it’s great for a game of I-spy! Why not tag us in your photos (@roughamestate) when you find them – we love to see your pictures.
Questions?
Yes, dogs are welcome in Roots Café, with paws on the floor.
Yes, wheelchairs are welcome in Roots Café as well as everywhere else at Blackthorpe Barn. There is plenty of accessible parking near the entrance, as well as accessible toilets.
Have a look at the Ground Plan to see their locations
The tables are assigned on a first come, first served basis. If you are a group of 8 or more people, we can reserve a table for you. Please email rootscafe@roughamestate.com to make your booking. Your reservation is only confirmed once you receive a confirmation email.
Unfortunately we can’t take same-day bookings.
Yes, we accept both cards and cash at Roots.
Yes, we have the menus listed on this page.
We try to offer a range of dishes and foods that cover various dietary requirements including some dairy-free, gluten-free and nut-free items. Vegans and vegetarians are catered for, and, whilst we do our utmost to accommodate dietary and allergy requirements, gluten, nuts and animal products are used in the kitchen.
If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, please let us know before ordering so we can do our best to accommodate you.
We’re more than happy to answer any questions about our ingredients.
Yes, we have highchairs at Roots and children have their own menu too. You can find a baby-changing unit in café toilets.
Yes we do! Gift vouchers are available to buy from £25 upwards and can be used in Roots Café, the Garden Room Shop, the Christmas Shop, in Roots Pantry Shop and towards buying Rougham Estate Christmas trees.
The gift vouchers last for 1 year from the date of purchase and can be used over multiple visits. They make great gifts, with a wide range of items to spend them on.
You can find out more and buy Rougham Estate gift vouchers by clicking here (opens in new tab).
These lovely pictures are of Rougham Estate in days gone by and wonderfully, some of the people pictured have even been to visit Roots since it opened. Rougham Estate has a very interesting history which you can read about on the Timeline page.
But of course!
The Potting Shed, Maintenance Shed and Dovecote are a real treat to sit in and enjoy your lunch or a spot of coffee and cake. It’s almost like taking a little holiday – you feel like you have been transported somewhere else.
Many of the items in or on the sheds have something to do with the history of Rougham Estate, such as the WWII plane over the dovecote which links directly to the bombing of Rougham Hall in 1940. You can read more about this in the history timeline.
While you’re here…
… why not enjoy one of the lovely walks around Rougham Estate? We have over 20 kilometres of public rights of way and an additional 5.5 kilometres of permissive rights of way granted by the Estate for further enjoyment, as well as some of our favourite routes mapped out for you. You can always start your walk with a coffee and end with a cake!
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Ok so it may not be hot today…
But it is National Ice Cream Day!
If there ever was an excuse needed to eat ice cream! 🍦
We have saffronicecreamco ice cream, Roots Cafe and it’s deliciously creamy and available in many different flavours.
So if you did need an excuse, there it is 😆
#NationalIceCreamDay #IceCreamLovers #SaffronIceCream #DeliciousDesserts #TreatYourself #FoodieFun #Yum #RootsCafe #RoughamEstate
Ok so it may not be hot today…
But it is National Ice Cream Day!
If there ever was an excuse needed to eat ice cream! 🍦
We have saffronicecreamco ice cream, Roots Cafe and it’s deliciously creamy and available in many different flavours.
So if you did need an excuse, there it is 😆
#NationalIceCreamDay #IceCreamLovers #SaffronIceCream #DeliciousDesserts #TreatYourself #FoodieFun #Yum #RootsCafe #RoughamEstate
🌻Sunflower update! The flowers are growing daily and we’re keeping a very close eye on them, but we haven’t had the rain they need so they are still small and will not be flowering for a while yet.
📆We’ve moved the opening date for the field from very early August to early/mid August (we’ve pencilled in the 8th as the opening at the moment but this may yet change).
We can’t wait to welcome you to a field of gold … but we all have to be patient for a little while longer and keep hoping for some good rain. Nature takes the time she needs 🌱
Stay tuned for further updates 🌻😃👍
#sunflowerfield #suffolksunflowers #burystedmunds #sunflowerlove #suffolkcountryside #suffolksummer #daysoutsuffolk
🌻Sunflower update! The flowers are growing daily and we’re keeping a very close eye on them, but we haven’t had the rain they need so they are still small and will not be flowering for a while yet.
📆We’ve moved the opening date for the field from very early August to early/mid August (we’ve pencilled in the 8th as the opening at the moment but this may yet change).
We can’t wait to welcome you to a field of gold … but we all have to be patient for a little while longer and keep hoping for some good rain. Nature takes the time she needs 🌱
Stay tuned for further updates 🌻😃👍
#sunflowerfield #suffolksunflowers #burystedmunds #sunflowerlove #suffolkcountryside #suffolksummer #daysoutsuffolk
Harvest update…
The Winter Barley is in the shed, and now it`s time for the Winter Oilseed Rape. Remember its bright yellow bloom from May?
It’s now ripe and ready for harvest.
Once harvested, the seeds will be crushed to extract oil, which will be bottled and sold in local supermarkets for your cooking needs.
Exciting work ahead as we continue the harvest season.
#HarvestUpdate #OilseedRape #FarmToTable #RoughamEstate #FarmLife
Harvest update…
The Winter Barley is in the shed, and now it`s time for the Winter Oilseed Rape. Remember its bright yellow bloom from May?
It’s now ripe and ready for harvest.
Once harvested, the seeds will be crushed to extract oil, which will be bottled and sold in local supermarkets for your cooking needs.
Exciting work ahead as we continue the harvest season.
#HarvestUpdate #OilseedRape #FarmToTable #RoughamEstate #FarmLife
Got a passion for cooking? Like to learn? Enjoy good food?
Don’t miss out on our Butchery Class with 4-Course Meal!
Join us this July for a hands-on butchery experience in collaboration with Thurston Butchers! Learn the art of butchering a full side of pork with expert Alastair Angus.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to hone your skills, this is the perfect opportunity! After the demonstration, enjoy a delectable four-course meal crafted by Roots Café’s Head Chef, Danny Parker, featuring cuts from the class.
Don’t miss out on this unique culinary journey! Book your spot today!
https://roughamestate.com/events/an-evening-of-butchery-fine-dining/
#ButcheryClass #CulinaryExperience #RootsCafé #RoughamEstate #ThurstonButchers
Got a passion for cooking? Like to learn? Enjoy good food?
Don’t miss out on our Butchery Class with 4-Course Meal!
Join us this July for a hands-on butchery experience in collaboration with Thurston Butchers! Learn the art of butchering a full side of pork with expert Alastair Angus.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to hone your skills, this is the perfect opportunity! After the demonstration, enjoy a delectable four-course meal crafted by Roots Café’s Head Chef, Danny Parker, featuring cuts from the class.
Don’t miss out on this unique culinary journey! Book your spot today!
https://roughamestate.com/events/an-evening-of-butchery-fine-dining/
#ButcheryClass #CulinaryExperience #RootsCafé #RoughamEstate #ThurstonButchers
Specials this week are…
Brunch Special: Enjoy a warm Naan with Curried Ketchup, Bacon, a Fried Egg, and Mint Yoghurt. A hearty choice for brunch.
Sandwich Special: Try our Ciabatta sandwich with Artichoke, Lemon Grilled Courgettes, Basil, and Prosciutto Ham. A flavourful and fresh lunch option.
Join us this week to enjoy these delicious dishes! Perfect for a weekend treat or a casual lunch with friends. Don’t miss out!
#BrunchSpecial #SandwichSpecial #Foodie #LocalEats #WeekendTreat #DeliciousFood #LunchWithFriends #RoughamEstate #RootsCafé #Timeout #DeliciousEats
Specials this week are…
Brunch Special: Enjoy a warm Naan with Curried Ketchup, Bacon, a Fried Egg, and Mint Yoghurt. A hearty choice for brunch.
Sandwich Special: Try our Ciabatta sandwich with Artichoke, Lemon Grilled Courgettes, Basil, and Prosciutto Ham. A flavourful and fresh lunch option.
Join us this week to enjoy these delicious dishes! Perfect for a weekend treat or a casual lunch with friends. Don’t miss out!
#BrunchSpecial #SandwichSpecial #Foodie #LocalEats #WeekendTreat #DeliciousFood #LunchWithFriends #RoughamEstate #RootsCafé #Timeout #DeliciousEats
There’s no better place than Rougham Estate to enjoy the sunshine.
There’s something for all the family. From walks, to food and sandpits!
#RoughamEstate #RootsCafé #TheGardenRoomShop #Alfresco #Walks #IceDrinks
There’s no better place than Rougham Estate to enjoy the sunshine.
There’s something for all the family. From walks, to food and sandpits!
#RoughamEstate #RootsCafé #TheGardenRoomShop #Alfresco #Walks #IceDrinks
This weekend @watsons_plants will be back at Blackthorpe Barn with their wonderful pop-up plant stall 🙌🪴
It was such a great success in May that we’re doing it again, this Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Come and buy new plants and get excellent advice from Chris Watson.
Why not pop in to the Garden Room Shop for new plant pots, beautiful vases and other useful gardening items and finish your visit off with a refreshing iced coffee and cake at Roots Café!
With plenty of free parking and just 2 minutes off the A14 outside Bury St Edmunds – it’s a great little trip out on a sunny weekend ☀️
Even better: the pop-up plant stall will be here every other weekend throughout the summer!! 🎉
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #suffolksummer #plantsplantsplants #burystedmundsandbeyond #suffolk
This weekend @watsons_plants will be back at Blackthorpe Barn with their wonderful pop-up plant stall 🙌🪴
It was such a great success in May that we’re doing it again, this Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Come and buy new plants and get excellent advice from Chris Watson.
Why not pop in to the Garden Room Shop for new plant pots, beautiful vases and other useful gardening items and finish your visit off with a refreshing iced coffee and cake at Roots Café!
With plenty of free parking and just 2 minutes off the A14 outside Bury St Edmunds – it’s a great little trip out on a sunny weekend ☀️
Even better: the pop-up plant stall will be here every other weekend throughout the summer!! 🎉
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #suffolksummer #plantsplantsplants #burystedmundsandbeyond #suffolk
How peaceful is the sound of our waterfall?
The sunken garden is designed to be a tranquil spot for some time out with friends or family or even on your own.
#Tranquil #SunkenGarden #RoughamEstate #RootsCafé #Timeout
How peaceful is the sound of our waterfall?
The sunken garden is designed to be a tranquil spot for some time out with friends or family or even on your own.
#Tranquil #SunkenGarden #RoughamEstate #RootsCafé #Timeout
Tag us @RoughamEstate
