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 – 17:00
Address
Blackthorpe Barn, Rougham,
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
SatNav: IP30 9HZ
What3Words: ///newly.sofas.debating
Sorry, we are not taking any bookings over the Christmas period
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.
Christmas Opening Times for Roots Café
Until 22nd December, open daily 9am – 5pm
23rd December open 9am – 4pm
24th December open 9am – 4pm
25th December Closed
26th December Closed
27th December Closed
28th December open 9am – 4pm
29th December open 9am – 4pm
30th December open 9am – 4pm
31st December open 9am – 4pm
1st January open 9am – 4pm
Then open every day 9am – 4pm
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.
Important Info
First come, First served
We operate on a first come, first served basis and are not taking reservations.
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.
Over the Christmas period, the Takeaway Chalet will be open for take-aways, mainly at the weekends.
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 Bookings
We are very pleased that you might consider coming to Roots for a Christmas party, but unfortunately we are not able to take bookings for parties this Christmas. Christmas groups or parties at Christmas may be something we do in the future, but for this year we are not able to accommodate them.
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
We are not taking bookings for the café over the Christmas period. The tables are assigned on a first come, first served basis only.
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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After Christmas, Roots Cafe will be back open on the 28th December from 9am til 4pm – daily.
Serving great coffee, festive treats, snacks or hearty meals.
You can fill you day with a lovely walk around our grounds and then refresh at the cafe. Dogs are also welcome! 🐾
#ChristmasIsComing #RootsCafe #ShopLocal #ChristmasTime #roughamestate #DogWalkers #GoodFood #blackthorpebarn
After Christmas, Roots Cafe will be back open on the 28th December from 9am til 4pm – daily.
Serving great coffee, festive treats, snacks or hearty meals.
You can fill you day with a lovely walk around our grounds and then refresh at the cafe. Dogs are also welcome! 🐾
#ChristmasIsComing #RootsCafe #ShopLocal #ChristmasTime #roughamestate #DogWalkers #GoodFood #blackthorpebarn
Roots Café will be OPEN between Christmas and New Year – from the 28th and thereon into the New Year from 9-4pm.
Whether you’re looking to unwind after Christmas activities or fuel up for your New Year’s adventures, we’ve got just what you need. You could also tie it in with a walk on the Estate with the family and your furry friends. 🐕🐾
So… join us for a warm and inviting atmosphere, delicious food, and comforting drinks to keep the festive spirit alive.
We can’t wait to see you!
Roots Café will be OPEN between Christmas and New Year – from the 28th and thereon into the New Year from 9-4pm.
Whether you’re looking to unwind after Christmas activities or fuel up for your New Year’s adventures, we’ve got just what you need. You could also tie it in with a walk on the Estate with the family and your furry friends. 🐕🐾
So… join us for a warm and inviting atmosphere, delicious food, and comforting drinks to keep the festive spirit alive.
We can’t wait to see you!
Last Call for Christmas Shopping?
Online shopping in the UK is wrapping up, pardon the pun! If you haven’t placed your order yet, you might miss out on getting those perfect gifts in time! But don’t worry—there’s still a chance to snag something special here on the Estate.
In our Country Christmas Shop we still have unique gifts for that special someone and don’t forget to stop by the Pantry at Roots Café for some delicious goodies to make your celebrations even sweeter – perfect for a hamper.
Support local and find that perfect present for your loved ones! 🎅❤️
We look forward to seeing you soon!
#ShopLocal #LastMinuteGifts #RootsCafe #ChristmasShopping #ChristmasShopping #ChristmasTime #ChristmasIsComing #lastminuteshopping #GotYouCovered
Last Call for Christmas Shopping?
Online shopping in the UK is wrapping up, pardon the pun! If you haven’t placed your order yet, you might miss out on getting those perfect gifts in time! But don’t worry—there’s still a chance to snag something special here on the Estate.
In our Country Christmas Shop we still have unique gifts for that special someone and don’t forget to stop by the Pantry at Roots Café for some delicious goodies to make your celebrations even sweeter – perfect for a hamper.
Support local and find that perfect present for your loved ones! 🎅❤️
We look forward to seeing you soon!
#ShopLocal #LastMinuteGifts #RootsCafe #ChristmasShopping #ChristmasShopping #ChristmasTime #ChristmasIsComing #lastminuteshopping #GotYouCovered
The Maintenance Shed is another hidden gem within our Roots Café, providing a quiet and private space away from the hustle and bustle of the cafe.
It’s ideal for those seeking a more exclusive and intimate setting, whether you`re catching up on work, enjoying a quiet meal, or having a confidential meeting.
What makes the Maintenance Shed even more special is its unique décor. The space is filled with tools, antiques, and artefacts gathered from the Estate over the years, each with its own story to tell. These items offer a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the Estate, adding character and charm to the space.
Whether you`re looking for a quiet retreat or a cosy spot with a touch of nostalgia, the Maintenance Shed is the perfect place to escape, relax, and soak in the history.
#RootsCafe #EstateHistory #ExclusiveSpace #SecludedRetreat #QuietEscape #RoughamEstate #history #suffolkhistory #NostalgicCharm #UniqueDecor #PrivateDining #HeritageTreasures
The Maintenance Shed is another hidden gem within our Roots Café, providing a quiet and private space away from the hustle and bustle of the cafe.
It’s ideal for those seeking a more exclusive and intimate setting, whether you`re catching up on work, enjoying a quiet meal, or having a confidential meeting.
What makes the Maintenance Shed even more special is its unique décor. The space is filled with tools, antiques, and artefacts gathered from the Estate over the years, each with its own story to tell. These items offer a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the Estate, adding character and charm to the space.
Whether you`re looking for a quiet retreat or a cosy spot with a touch of nostalgia, the Maintenance Shed is the perfect place to escape, relax, and soak in the history.
#RootsCafe #EstateHistory #ExclusiveSpace #SecludedRetreat #QuietEscape #RoughamEstate #history #suffolkhistory #NostalgicCharm #UniqueDecor #PrivateDining #HeritageTreasures
We are only 8 days away from Christmas!
Many of us now have our trees up and will keep them up until the New Year. So how do you keep them fresh for as long as possible?
Here are some top tips 🎄
Half of your tree is made up of water so you need to keep it hydrated. So keep your tree watered and check it regularly.
Before you put your tree up, cut an inch off the bottom for optimum water absorption.
Make sure the stand can be filled with plenty of water and that your tree fits comfortably without having to whittle down any of the sides of the trunk. These parts of the tree are the most efficient absorbing water.
Keep your tree away from heat and direct sunlight. Lowering your room temperature by a degree or two will help.
In the meantime, enjoy that fresh Christmas scent and if you haven’t got your tree yet, we have them on sale until the 22nd of December.
#Christmas #ChristmasShopping #ChristmasTreeSales #ChristmasIsComing #ChristmasTime #ChristmasTree #roughamestate #BlackthorpeBarn
We are only 8 days away from Christmas!
Many of us now have our trees up and will keep them up until the New Year. So how do you keep them fresh for as long as possible?
Here are some top tips 🎄
Half of your tree is made up of water so you need to keep it hydrated. So keep your tree watered and check it regularly.
Before you put your tree up, cut an inch off the bottom for optimum water absorption.
Make sure the stand can be filled with plenty of water and that your tree fits comfortably without having to whittle down any of the sides of the trunk. These parts of the tree are the most efficient absorbing water.
Keep your tree away from heat and direct sunlight. Lowering your room temperature by a degree or two will help.
In the meantime, enjoy that fresh Christmas scent and if you haven’t got your tree yet, we have them on sale until the 22nd of December.
#Christmas #ChristmasShopping #ChristmasTreeSales #ChristmasIsComing #ChristmasTime #ChristmasTree #roughamestate #BlackthorpeBarn
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and supported local talent at our Arts & Crafts Fair – it’s been an incredible success!
But the festivities don’t stop there. Here’s what’s on at the Estate over the next few weeks:
Christmas Shop
Open daily until 22nd December, 9:30am–5pm (closing at 4pm on the final day). Explore a delightful selection of Christmas decorations, gifts, and more.
Estate-Grown Christmas Trees
Find your perfect tree, grown right here on the Estate! Available daily until 22nd December. No booking needed—just pop by.
Roots Café
Serving festive treats daily until Christmas Eve. After a short break, we’ll reopen on 28th December (9am-4pm) onwards in the New Year!
Scenic Estate Walks
Enjoy walks through Suffolk’s stunning countryside, ranging from 20 minutes to 2 hours. Don’t miss the new trail to Tummel’s Grave in Rougham Park.
Garden Room Shop
Reopening 6th January with an exciting new range of items to explore.
Make the most of the rest of the festive season with us—we look forward to welcoming you.
#ChristmasGifts #ShopLocal #RoughamEstate #Christmas #ChristmasShopping #makingmagicalmemories #RoughamEstateBlackthorpeBarn #ChristmasTree #ArtsAndCraftsFair #walks #goodfood #localbusiness
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and supported local talent at our Arts & Crafts Fair – it’s been an incredible success!
But the festivities don’t stop there. Here’s what’s on at the Estate over the next few weeks:
Christmas Shop
Open daily until 22nd December, 9:30am–5pm (closing at 4pm on the final day). Explore a delightful selection of Christmas decorations, gifts, and more.
Estate-Grown Christmas Trees
Find your perfect tree, grown right here on the Estate! Available daily until 22nd December. No booking needed—just pop by.
Roots Café
Serving festive treats daily until Christmas Eve. After a short break, we’ll reopen on 28th December (9am-4pm) onwards in the New Year!
Scenic Estate Walks
Enjoy walks through Suffolk’s stunning countryside, ranging from 20 minutes to 2 hours. Don’t miss the new trail to Tummel’s Grave in Rougham Park.
Garden Room Shop
Reopening 6th January with an exciting new range of items to explore.
Make the most of the rest of the festive season with us—we look forward to welcoming you.
#ChristmasGifts #ShopLocal #RoughamEstate #Christmas #ChristmasShopping #makingmagicalmemories #RoughamEstateBlackthorpeBarn #ChristmasTree #ArtsAndCraftsFair #walks #goodfood #localbusiness
This weekend is a cracker at Blackthorpe Barn!
The talented makers in the festive Barn are having a blast: it’s the last day of Arts&Crafts 2024 so come and join them and find that perfect gift.
From jewellery to leather bags, tiny teapots to recycled robots, artworks and garden art, cheese to ceramics, hats to big glass flowers, wool coats to pinafores, chocolates to soaps, and so much more! What more could you possibly dream of? Tickets £2.50 online, £3 on the door.
Next door, the Christmas shop has decorations too many to count, and the freshly-cut Christmas trees outside are waiting to be taken home and dressed up.
Roots Café is warm and comfortable, the Takeaway Hut is serving tasty treats and the fabulous food trucks include @tikka_tonic with delicious New Delhi street food, @badboisburritos making Mexican food to die for and pizzas and focaccia toasties too…
Rougham Estate is where you’ll find Christmas this weekend!
All the details from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
Don’t miss out! Can’t wait to see you here!
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #christmasshop #christmasmarket #suffolkcraftsociety #suffolk #burystedmunds #christmasiscoming
This weekend is a cracker at Blackthorpe Barn!
The talented makers in the festive Barn are having a blast: it’s the last day of Arts&Crafts 2024 so come and join them and find that perfect gift.
From jewellery to leather bags, tiny teapots to recycled robots, artworks and garden art, cheese to ceramics, hats to big glass flowers, wool coats to pinafores, chocolates to soaps, and so much more! What more could you possibly dream of? Tickets £2.50 online, £3 on the door.
Next door, the Christmas shop has decorations too many to count, and the freshly-cut Christmas trees outside are waiting to be taken home and dressed up.
Roots Café is warm and comfortable, the Takeaway Hut is serving tasty treats and the fabulous food trucks include @tikka_tonic with delicious New Delhi street food, @badboisburritos making Mexican food to die for and pizzas and focaccia toasties too…
Rougham Estate is where you’ll find Christmas this weekend!
All the details from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
Don’t miss out! Can’t wait to see you here!
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #christmasshop #christmasmarket #suffolkcraftsociety #suffolk #burystedmunds #christmasiscoming
Christmas is just around the corner!🎄
✨ This is the last big weekend of Christmas at Blackthorpe Barn, and there’s no storm to dampen the mood🎉
💍 It’s the very last Arts&Crafts weekend for 2024 with a bumper group of marvellous independent makers gathered in the fabulous festive Barn. Still looking for a gift? This is where you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Open Saturday and Sunday 10-4
Tickets £2.50 online, £3 on the door. Children 16 and under, free. Assistance dogs only.
🌲 Freshly-cut Christmas trees and potted trees are available to take home with you to make your home look beautiful.🎄
Open every day until 22 December, 9.30-5 (until 4 on Sundays). Dogs welcome.
🛍️ The magical Christmas Shop is open daily for all your decoration and last-minute gift needs… and wants😁
Open every day until 22 December, 9.30-5 (until 4 on Sundays). Dogs welcome, no paws on the floor.
🍽️ Roots Café is open every day serving home-cooked sit-down meals and snacks; the Takeaway Hut in the Courtyard is open at the weekend, serving warming tasty snacks like mulled wine, mince pies and sausage rolls and much more!
Roots Café is open every day 9-5 until 21 December, then 9-4 until 24 December. Dogs welcome, paws on the floor.
Beside the Play Meadow, we are joined by:
🥘 @tikka_tonic serving their wonderful twist on New Delhi street food
🌯 @badboisburritos making their delicious Mexican burritos
🍕 Sourdough pizzas and focaccia toasties available too
📍 We’re just outside Bury St Edmunds, 2 minutes from Junction 45 on the A14.
ℹ️ All the info from roughamestate.com/welcome – link in profile
👋 We’re looking forward to seeing you here!
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #burystedmunds #suffolkchristmas #suffolk #suffolklife #suffolkcrafts #suffolkarts #suffolkcraftsociety #christmasshop #eastofengland #eastanglia
Christmas is just around the corner!🎄
✨ This is the last big weekend of Christmas at Blackthorpe Barn, and there’s no storm to dampen the mood🎉
💍 It’s the very last Arts&Crafts weekend for 2024 with a bumper group of marvellous independent makers gathered in the fabulous festive Barn. Still looking for a gift? This is where you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Open Saturday and Sunday 10-4
Tickets £2.50 online, £3 on the door. Children 16 and under, free. Assistance dogs only.
🌲 Freshly-cut Christmas trees and potted trees are available to take home with you to make your home look beautiful.🎄
Open every day until 22 December, 9.30-5 (until 4 on Sundays). Dogs welcome.
🛍️ The magical Christmas Shop is open daily for all your decoration and last-minute gift needs… and wants😁
Open every day until 22 December, 9.30-5 (until 4 on Sundays). Dogs welcome, no paws on the floor.
🍽️ Roots Café is open every day serving home-cooked sit-down meals and snacks; the Takeaway Hut in the Courtyard is open at the weekend, serving warming tasty snacks like mulled wine, mince pies and sausage rolls and much more!
Roots Café is open every day 9-5 until 21 December, then 9-4 until 24 December. Dogs welcome, paws on the floor.
Beside the Play Meadow, we are joined by:
🥘 @tikka_tonic serving their wonderful twist on New Delhi street food
🌯 @badboisburritos making their delicious Mexican burritos
🍕 Sourdough pizzas and focaccia toasties available too
📍 We’re just outside Bury St Edmunds, 2 minutes from Junction 45 on the A14.
ℹ️ All the info from roughamestate.com/welcome – link in profile
👋 We’re looking forward to seeing you here!
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #burystedmunds #suffolkchristmas #suffolk #suffolklife #suffolkcrafts #suffolkarts #suffolkcraftsociety #christmasshop #eastofengland #eastanglia
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