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
Disabled access available
This is a rural location and paths can be muddy
Please Note: 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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It’s really starting to feel like Christmas in this colder weather. Have you been down to Rougham Estate, Blackthorpe barn yet? If not, it’s the place to start off the Christmas spirit!
#ChristmasShopping #MakingMagicalMemories #RoughamEstateBlackthorpeBarn #ChristmasDecorations #TimeWithFriendsAndFamily #LoveChristmas #BuryStEdmndsAndBeyond #suffolklifestyle #RoughamEstate #suffolkchristmas #burystedmunds #ChristmasBarn #gettingintothechristmasspirit
It’s really starting to feel like Christmas in this colder weather. Have you been down to Rougham Estate, Blackthorpe barn yet? If not, it’s the place to start off the Christmas spirit!
#ChristmasShopping #MakingMagicalMemories #RoughamEstateBlackthorpeBarn #ChristmasDecorations #TimeWithFriendsAndFamily #LoveChristmas #BuryStEdmndsAndBeyond #suffolklifestyle #RoughamEstate #suffolkchristmas #burystedmunds #ChristmasBarn #gettingintothechristmasspirit
💍 The second weekend of Arts&Crafts promises to be as good as the first, if not better!
✨ There’s a new mix of makers joining us from around the country, with plenty more beautiful hand-crafted things to be astounded by.
✨ From tiny glass sculptures to garden artworks, fine jewellery to fudge – there are gifts and treats to be found for everyone.
🕰️ Doors open 10-4 on Saturday and Sunday.
🎟️ Season tickets for all remaining 8 days £10 online, £12 on the door.
🎟️ Day tickets £2.50 online, £3 on the door.
Children 16 and under, free.
Only assistance dogs in the Crafts barn.
🧑🎨 All the makers shown here are with us this weekend:
@artistcaz @lucyperryart @christine_pike_sculpture @forevergardenmetalartwork GabriellaLane @hassinakhanglass @redbikeleatherworks @michelledanielsobypotter @makeroftinyglassstuff CarolPage @wendytheobaldwildlife @Prochetextileart @allaboutthebeads @birdfeedertree
ℹ️ All the info, including tickets and more information about the makers coming to the Barn from: roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
📍 Find us just 2 minutes’ south of Junction 45 of the A14, a few miles east of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk.
✨ This is the Christmas Market to get you into the mood for the festive season!
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #burystedmunds #suffolklife #suffolkliving #christmasmarket #madebyhand #meetthemakers #handmadeintheuk #artisanmade #handmadeintheuk #suffolkartsandcrafts #artsandcrafts2024 #suffolkchristmas #burystedmundssuffolk #eastanglia #eastofengland #christmasiscoming #craftinspiration #craftscouncil
💍 The second weekend of Arts&Crafts promises to be as good as the first, if not better!
✨ There’s a new mix of makers joining us from around the country, with plenty more beautiful hand-crafted things to be astounded by.
✨ From tiny glass sculptures to garden artworks, fine jewellery to fudge – there are gifts and treats to be found for everyone.
🕰️ Doors open 10-4 on Saturday and Sunday.
🎟️ Season tickets for all remaining 8 days £10 online, £12 on the door.
🎟️ Day tickets £2.50 online, £3 on the door.
Children 16 and under, free.
Only assistance dogs in the Crafts barn.
🧑🎨 All the makers shown here are with us this weekend:
@artistcaz @lucyperryart @christine_pike_sculpture @forevergardenmetalartwork GabriellaLane @hassinakhanglass @redbikeleatherworks @michelledanielsobypotter @makeroftinyglassstuff CarolPage @wendytheobaldwildlife @Prochetextileart @allaboutthebeads @birdfeedertree
ℹ️ All the info, including tickets and more information about the makers coming to the Barn from: roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
📍 Find us just 2 minutes’ south of Junction 45 of the A14, a few miles east of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk.
✨ This is the Christmas Market to get you into the mood for the festive season!
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #burystedmunds #suffolklife #suffolkliving #christmasmarket #madebyhand #meetthemakers #handmadeintheuk #artisanmade #handmadeintheuk #suffolkartsandcrafts #artsandcrafts2024 #suffolkchristmas #burystedmundssuffolk #eastanglia #eastofengland #christmasiscoming #craftinspiration #craftscouncil
As you explore the country Christmas shop do you notice the different areas that have a story behind them?
Like the gingerbread house which was designed with much thought and inspiration you can’t miss it #CountryChristmasShop #ChristmasShopping #RoughamEstate #BlackthorpeBarn #GingerbreadHouse
As you explore the country Christmas shop do you notice the different areas that have a story behind them?
Like the gingerbread house which was designed with much thought and inspiration you can’t miss it #CountryChristmasShop #ChristmasShopping #RoughamEstate #BlackthorpeBarn #GingerbreadHouse
Don’t miss out on what’s on offer this weekend. This fantastic range of crafts will be here again today. Next weekend there will be some new stall holders showcasing and selling their crafts. #ArtsAndCraftsFair #ShopLocal #RoughamEstate #BlackthorpeBarn #ChristmasGifts #ChristmasIsComing #ChristmasShopping
Don’t miss out on what’s on offer this weekend. This fantastic range of crafts will be here again today. Next weekend there will be some new stall holders showcasing and selling their crafts. #ArtsAndCraftsFair #ShopLocal #RoughamEstate #BlackthorpeBarn #ChristmasGifts #ChristmasIsComing #ChristmasShopping
What a fabulous first day of Arts&Crafts at Blackthorpe Barn!
Thank you to everyone who came today.
Here are the makers who are at the Barn for the very last day tomorrow, Sunday 17th. You don’t want to miss them!
@aletage2 @lkrenshaw_pottery @auroralombardodesigns @domupson @wildwoodkris @anthony_gray_furniture @fabricvase @katiebagstaffart
@ttdesignsmarquetry @myrtleberry_designs @carolinebrogden @featherandhare @dejaybrinkley @clarewainwright1 ColinBoatman @katarzynakeller
@nikkishomemadepreserves GrahamPortlock JennyPortlock @limnedglass
There’s a great atmosphere in the Barn with so many amazing things to see and buy – perfect for gifts, great as treats for yourself.
Open Sunday 10-4 (and for the next 4 weekends)
All the info from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #burystedmunds #suffolk #suffolkarts #suffolkartsandcrafts #christmasmarket
What a fabulous first day of Arts&Crafts at Blackthorpe Barn!
Thank you to everyone who came today.
Here are the makers who are at the Barn for the very last day tomorrow, Sunday 17th. You don’t want to miss them!
@aletage2 @lkrenshaw_pottery @auroralombardodesigns @domupson @wildwoodkris @anthony_gray_furniture @fabricvase @katiebagstaffart
@ttdesignsmarquetry @myrtleberry_designs @carolinebrogden @featherandhare @dejaybrinkley @clarewainwright1 ColinBoatman @katarzynakeller
@nikkishomemadepreserves GrahamPortlock JennyPortlock @limnedglass
There’s a great atmosphere in the Barn with so many amazing things to see and buy – perfect for gifts, great as treats for yourself.
Open Sunday 10-4 (and for the next 4 weekends)
All the info from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #burystedmunds #suffolk #suffolkarts #suffolkartsandcrafts #christmasmarket
✨Blackthorpe Barn is the place to be this weekend!✨
🎄Christmas has landed and the festivities have begun
💍 Arts&Crafts Weekend 1 kicks off with a stellar range of magnificent makers selling their fabulous hand-crafted goods within the setting of the magical medieval thatched Barn. You’ll find quality gifts and treats galore at this Christmas fair.
Day tickets: £2.50 online/£3 on the door, or why not get a season ticket for £10 online to have entry to all 10 days of the whole event (£12 on the door). Open Sat & Sun 10-4
🛍️ The Christmas Shop is brim-full of more decorations than you can dream of, with lighting and gifts too. This is as close as you get to an adult Santa’s Grotto. Open daily 9.30-5 (4 on Sundays)
🌲 It’s the last weekend of PYO Christmas tree, with a very few tickets left for Sunday (bookable until 5pm on Saturday evening). Come and find your perfect Christmas tree on the plantation and we’ll cut it a day or two before you collect it.
🎄 Potted Christmas trees are already on sale in the courtyard, with cut trees available from 23rd November.
🧒🏻 The play area with the big bale pyramid and sand pits is set up in the Meadow, with plenty of benches to sit at. Space to run and let off steam, with the beautiful tree trunk sculpture to admire.
🍽️ Roots Café, the sit-down café, is open 9-5 daily (until 4pm on Sundays), with the new Roots&Co takeaway hut open in the courtyard selling tasty treats like Gravy-soaked Turkey & Stuffing in a Roll and mince pies, and mulled wine and coffees. We are joined by @tikka_tonic too, cooking up their delicious New Delhi style street food all made from scratch.
🧑🎨There are still some spaces on the wreath workshops in the coming weeks as well, where you can get crafty yourself.
✨So much Christmas Magic in one place – Rougham Estate is the place to come to make memories.
All the info from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #christmasmarket #suffolklife #suffolkliving #suffolkcountryside #suffolkmums #burystedmunds #burystedmundsandbeyond #burystedmundssuffolk #suffolkshopsmall #christmasfestival #eastofengland #proudlyeastanglia #christmashome #suffolkchristmas
✨Blackthorpe Barn is the place to be this weekend!✨
🎄Christmas has landed and the festivities have begun
💍 Arts&Crafts Weekend 1 kicks off with a stellar range of magnificent makers selling their fabulous hand-crafted goods within the setting of the magical medieval thatched Barn. You’ll find quality gifts and treats galore at this Christmas fair.
Day tickets: £2.50 online/£3 on the door, or why not get a season ticket for £10 online to have entry to all 10 days of the whole event (£12 on the door). Open Sat & Sun 10-4
🛍️ The Christmas Shop is brim-full of more decorations than you can dream of, with lighting and gifts too. This is as close as you get to an adult Santa’s Grotto. Open daily 9.30-5 (4 on Sundays)
🌲 It’s the last weekend of PYO Christmas tree, with a very few tickets left for Sunday (bookable until 5pm on Saturday evening). Come and find your perfect Christmas tree on the plantation and we’ll cut it a day or two before you collect it.
🎄 Potted Christmas trees are already on sale in the courtyard, with cut trees available from 23rd November.
🧒🏻 The play area with the big bale pyramid and sand pits is set up in the Meadow, with plenty of benches to sit at. Space to run and let off steam, with the beautiful tree trunk sculpture to admire.
🍽️ Roots Café, the sit-down café, is open 9-5 daily (until 4pm on Sundays), with the new Roots&Co takeaway hut open in the courtyard selling tasty treats like Gravy-soaked Turkey & Stuffing in a Roll and mince pies, and mulled wine and coffees. We are joined by @tikka_tonic too, cooking up their delicious New Delhi style street food all made from scratch.
🧑🎨There are still some spaces on the wreath workshops in the coming weeks as well, where you can get crafty yourself.
✨So much Christmas Magic in one place – Rougham Estate is the place to come to make memories.
All the info from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #christmasmarket #suffolklife #suffolkliving #suffolkcountryside #suffolkmums #burystedmunds #burystedmundsandbeyond #burystedmundssuffolk #suffolkshopsmall #christmasfestival #eastofengland #proudlyeastanglia #christmashome #suffolkchristmas
Oh yes, there’s more – more makers who are at Blackthorpe Barn this weekend!
From jewellery to clothing, bags to belts, food to furniture, gifts of all sorts and sizes, lovely things to make you feel good, special unique statement pieces, this is where you want to be for the best Christmas feeling.
Come and browse, chat to the makers, each one passionate about the things they make with great care and love, come and enjoy the Christmas vibe at the Barn this weekend.
Shown here: @fabricvase @auroralombardodesigns @domupson @beadedgarden GrahamPortlock @mariannelakerdesigns LindsayDuff @lizzingtonbags @ttdesignsmarquetry
Tickets available on the door (£3-day ticket, £12-season ticket, reductions available online), children 16 and under: free entry.
With the Christmas Shop just next door and the final PYO Christmas Tree weekend on Saturday and Sunday, Christmas is happening here at Blackthorpe Barn!
See you here!
All the info from
roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #artsandcrafts2024 #suffolkarts #suffolkart #suffolkartist #suffolkartists #suffolkcraftsociety #suffolkartgallery #christmasmarket #christmasmarkets #suffolkchristmas #suffolkchristmasfayre #christmasfair #christmasfayre #christmasatblackthorpebarn
Oh yes, there’s more – more makers who are at Blackthorpe Barn this weekend!
From jewellery to clothing, bags to belts, food to furniture, gifts of all sorts and sizes, lovely things to make you feel good, special unique statement pieces, this is where you want to be for the best Christmas feeling.
Come and browse, chat to the makers, each one passionate about the things they make with great care and love, come and enjoy the Christmas vibe at the Barn this weekend.
Shown here: @fabricvase @auroralombardodesigns @domupson @beadedgarden GrahamPortlock @mariannelakerdesigns LindsayDuff @lizzingtonbags @ttdesignsmarquetry
Tickets available on the door (£3-day ticket, £12-season ticket, reductions available online), children 16 and under: free entry.
With the Christmas Shop just next door and the final PYO Christmas Tree weekend on Saturday and Sunday, Christmas is happening here at Blackthorpe Barn!
See you here!
All the info from
roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #artsandcrafts2024 #suffolkarts #suffolkart #suffolkartist #suffolkartists #suffolkcraftsociety #suffolkartgallery #christmasmarket #christmasmarkets #suffolkchristmas #suffolkchristmasfayre #christmasfair #christmasfayre #christmasatblackthorpebarn
“Have we got enough nutcrackers in here” asked @awhite_christmas?
The answer is ‘not for long’ as they’re selling fast.
This was behind the scenes of The Nutcracker area before we opened last month.
They are proving to be incredibly popular so if you want one, get down The Country Christmas shop soon.
Experience the magic of Christmas!
#christmas #christmasdecorations #nutcracker #countrychristmasshop #roughamestate #magicalchristmas
“Have we got enough nutcrackers in here” asked @awhite_christmas?
The answer is ‘not for long’ as they’re selling fast.
This was behind the scenes of The Nutcracker area before we opened last month.
They are proving to be incredibly popular so if you want one, get down The Country Christmas shop soon.
Experience the magic of Christmas!
#christmas #christmasdecorations #nutcracker #countrychristmasshop #roughamestate #magicalchristmas
Tag us @RoughamEstate
