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
Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea – Sunday 30 March
Delight your mother with a special treat at Roots Café this Mother’s Day, on Sunday 30 March. Spend some quality time together with a delicious spread of homemade treats:
A selection of delicate finger sandwiches:
Smoked salmon and horseradish cream (G,F,M)
Bacon, lettuce and tomato (G,Mu)
Cheddar cheese and beetroot relish (G,M,Su)
Charred aubergine and chimichurri (G,Su)
Savoury
Sausage Roll (G,E)
Corn and courgette fritter (G,Mu)
Scone
Fruit scone (G,M,Su)
Clotted cream and Tiptree jam (M,Su)
Cakes
Lemon curd tartlet – Italian meringue (M,G,E)
Earl Grey and honey cake – passion fruit curd (G,N,M,E)
Strawberries and cream mille feuille (G,M)
Dark chocolate brownie – pistachio cream (G,M,E,N)
£30 per person, £35 including a glass of fizz
Seatings at 12pm (limited spaces left) and at 2pm (now SOLD OUT)
Booking Essential
Please email to reserve your place, using the button below.
Bookings are confirmed when you receive a confirmation email from us.
We are not taking any other group bookings on Sunday 30 March, apart from for this special Afternoon Tea.
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
Reservations for groups of 8 or more only
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.
No reservations over Easter
Please note that we are not taking any reservations for Roots Café over the Easter weekend, from Friday 18th April through until the end of Monday 21st. We will start taking bookings again from Tuesday 22nd.
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.
* 30 March: Other than bookings for the special Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea, we are not taking any group bookings on Sunday 30 March.
* 18-21 April: We are not taking any group bookings over the Easter weekend from Good Friday to Easter Monday.
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.
Reservations
Table reservations are only taken for groups of 8 or more. 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.
* 30 March: Other than bookings for the special Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea, we are not taking any group bookings on Sunday 30 March.
* 18-21 April: We are not taking any group bookings over the Easter weekend from Good Friday to Easter Monday.
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.
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.
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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Only two spaces remaining for Afternoon Tea on Mother’s Day!.
It’s just over a weeks time, book now to avoid disappointment. If you’re looking for a gift ideas, we have plenty in The Garden Room Shop too.
Take a trip to Rougham Estate for inspiration ❤️
#AfternoonTea #TheGardenRoomShop #HandmadeWithLove #mothersday #mothersdaygiftideas #Mothersday2025 #LocalProduce #RootsCafé #RoughamEstate
Only two spaces remaining for Afternoon Tea on Mother’s Day!.
It’s just over a weeks time, book now to avoid disappointment. If you’re looking for a gift ideas, we have plenty in The Garden Room Shop too.
Take a trip to Rougham Estate for inspiration ❤️
#AfternoonTea #TheGardenRoomShop #HandmadeWithLove #mothersday #mothersdaygiftideas #Mothersday2025 #LocalProduce #RootsCafé #RoughamEstate
We have some creative workshops available over the next couple of months – and spaces are filling up fast!
Running throughout April and May, these sessions are the perfect way to try your hand at a new craft and add some beautiful, homemade items to your home and garden.
With expert guidance and a relaxed atmosphere, you’ll leave with a beautiful handmade piece to take home – and an experience you won`t forget.
If you’ve been thinking about booking, now’s the time before they’re all gone. Visit our website to secure your spot.
#RoughamEstate #CreativeWorkshops #HandmadeWithLove #CraftLovers #LearnSomethingNew #local #HandmadeHome #WreathOfTheMonth #SuffolkArt #WillowWeaving #CraftWorkshops #glassart #crafting #creativity
We have some creative workshops available over the next couple of months – and spaces are filling up fast!
Running throughout April and May, these sessions are the perfect way to try your hand at a new craft and add some beautiful, homemade items to your home and garden.
With expert guidance and a relaxed atmosphere, you’ll leave with a beautiful handmade piece to take home – and an experience you won`t forget.
If you’ve been thinking about booking, now’s the time before they’re all gone. Visit our website to secure your spot.
#RoughamEstate #CreativeWorkshops #HandmadeWithLove #CraftLovers #LearnSomethingNew #local #HandmadeHome #WreathOfTheMonth #SuffolkArt #WillowWeaving #CraftWorkshops #glassart #crafting #creativity
Try our special Roots Refresher – available today and all weekend!
A refreshing mix of gin, lemon, and strawberry syrup, finished with a fresh mint garnish.
The perfect way to welcome the weekend. 🍹🍸
#RootsRefresher #WeekendVibes #CocktailLovers #GinCocktail #StrawberryTwist #RefreshingDrinks #RoughamEstate #local
Try our special Roots Refresher – available today and all weekend!
A refreshing mix of gin, lemon, and strawberry syrup, finished with a fresh mint garnish.
The perfect way to welcome the weekend. 🍹🍸
#RootsRefresher #WeekendVibes #CocktailLovers #GinCocktail #StrawberryTwist #RefreshingDrinks #RoughamEstate #local
This Sunday, we’re celebrating National Puppy Day! 🐾
All puppies and dogs are invited to join us at the Estate, where there are plenty of scenic walks for everyone to enjoy.
After a lovely walk, bring your furry friends into the café, but we ask that their paws stay on the floor please. Ask our team for a dog treat—because your pup deserves a treat, too after a walk.
Don’t forget to stop by the Garden Room Shop for some delightful doggy gifts!
#NationalPuppyDay #PuppyLove #DogFriendly #DogTreats #Pawtastic #FurryFriends #PetLovers #DogGifts #OutdoorFun #RoughamEstate #TheGardenRoomShop #Walks #WalksWithMyDog
This Sunday, we’re celebrating National Puppy Day! 🐾
All puppies and dogs are invited to join us at the Estate, where there are plenty of scenic walks for everyone to enjoy.
After a lovely walk, bring your furry friends into the café, but we ask that their paws stay on the floor please. Ask our team for a dog treat—because your pup deserves a treat, too after a walk.
Don’t forget to stop by the Garden Room Shop for some delightful doggy gifts!
#NationalPuppyDay #PuppyLove #DogFriendly #DogTreats #Pawtastic #FurryFriends #PetLovers #DogGifts #OutdoorFun #RoughamEstate #TheGardenRoomShop #Walks #WalksWithMyDog
Mother’s Day is fast approaching!
Have you got your Mother’s Day gift sorted?
If not, we have a delightful afternoon tea available and some beautiful gifts in the shop to make your Mother’s Day💐
Why not make a day of it at Rougham Estate, with a countryside walk as well as Afternoon Tea?
Plenty of free parking, with accessible parking very near the café, just off Junction 45 of the A14.
Find out more from the link in our bio
roughamestate.com/welcome
Booking essential for the Afternoon Tea.
#roughamestate #burystedmunds #suffolkmums #roughamroots #afternoontea #celebrations #giftideas #loveyourmum #suffolkcountryside #beautifulsuffolk
Mother’s Day is fast approaching!
Have you got your Mother’s Day gift sorted?
If not, we have a delightful afternoon tea available and some beautiful gifts in the shop to make your Mother’s Day💐
Why not make a day of it at Rougham Estate, with a countryside walk as well as Afternoon Tea?
Plenty of free parking, with accessible parking very near the café, just off Junction 45 of the A14.
Find out more from the link in our bio
roughamestate.com/welcome
Booking essential for the Afternoon Tea.
#roughamestate #burystedmunds #suffolkmums #roughamroots #afternoontea #celebrations #giftideas #loveyourmum #suffolkcountryside #beautifulsuffolk
This Global Recycling Day, we`re proud to share that Rougham Estate recycles 96% of all our waste.
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do – from sourcing local produce whenever possible to using recycled or recyclable packaging across our operations.
Small changes make a big impact, and we`re always looking for ways to do more. Today is a great reminder that every effort counts towards a greener future!
#GlobalRecyclingDay #SustainableLiving #Recycle #EcoFriendly #ShopLocal #GreenerFuture #RoughamEstate #Blackthorpebarn
This Global Recycling Day, we`re proud to share that Rougham Estate recycles 96% of all our waste.
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do – from sourcing local produce whenever possible to using recycled or recyclable packaging across our operations.
Small changes make a big impact, and we`re always looking for ways to do more. Today is a great reminder that every effort counts towards a greener future!
#GlobalRecyclingDay #SustainableLiving #Recycle #EcoFriendly #ShopLocal #GreenerFuture #RoughamEstate #Blackthorpebarn
Happy St Patrick’s Day! ☘️
To celebrate we have a few specials on…
Irish potato cake, with bacon, fried eggs, spinach and maple syrup.
We also have Cinnamon halloumi ciabatta, with romesco sauce, rocket and Rougham Estate honey which is part of the 2 for £20 deal.
For those with sweet tooth, we have a rich and indulgent Guinness Cake 🎂
Not to be missed!
#RootsCafé #SaintPatricksDay #Specials #GuinnessCake #IrishPotatoCake #RoughamEstate #FoodLovers #NotToBeMissed #Foodies
Happy St Patrick’s Day! ☘️
To celebrate we have a few specials on…
Irish potato cake, with bacon, fried eggs, spinach and maple syrup.
We also have Cinnamon halloumi ciabatta, with romesco sauce, rocket and Rougham Estate honey which is part of the 2 for £20 deal.
For those with sweet tooth, we have a rich and indulgent Guinness Cake 🎂
Not to be missed!
#RootsCafé #SaintPatricksDay #Specials #GuinnessCake #IrishPotatoCake #RoughamEstate #FoodLovers #NotToBeMissed #Foodies
We’ve been busy putting peat free compost down in the borders of the Sunken Garden ready for the summer season – to give the plants some good nourishment.
We can’t wait to see you all enjoying the sunshine in this tranquil area over a coffee and brunch!
Not long now!
#PeatFreeCompost #Gardening #SunkenGarden #Springtime #GettingSomeReady #RoughamEstate #RootsCafé #AlfrescoDining
We’ve been busy putting peat free compost down in the borders of the Sunken Garden ready for the summer season – to give the plants some good nourishment.
We can’t wait to see you all enjoying the sunshine in this tranquil area over a coffee and brunch!
Not long now!
#PeatFreeCompost #Gardening #SunkenGarden #Springtime #GettingSomeReady #RoughamEstate #RootsCafé #AlfrescoDining
Tag us @RoughamEstate
