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
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.
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.
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.
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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The selection committee for Arts&Crafts 2025 will be meeting in the next few weeks – do you want to come and join us?
We are looking for art and craft of the highest standard, especially contemporary design. You must make all your work yourself and be available to be at your stall all weekend.
The event is held at Blackthorpe Barn on Rougham Estate, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, on 5 consecutive weekends from 15th November to 14th December.
We love to welcome new makers as well as seeing old friends again. From textiles and ceramics to glasswork, leather, metalwork, art, sculpture, woodwork and more, why not fill in an application form to be considered for a stall.
Do share this post with anyone who might be interested! The link to the application form is in our profile, from roughamestate.com/welcome or send us a message and we’ll send you the link. 😃
We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
#suffolkcraftsociety #craftcouncil #craftsmanship #artisanmakers #britishcraft #handmade #lovehandmade #craftscouncil #artsandcraftsmovement #artisanmade #craftfair #suffolkmakers #eastanglia #eastanglianartists
The selection committee for Arts&Crafts 2025 will be meeting in the next few weeks – do you want to come and join us?
We are looking for art and craft of the highest standard, especially contemporary design. You must make all your work yourself and be available to be at your stall all weekend.
The event is held at Blackthorpe Barn on Rougham Estate, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, on 5 consecutive weekends from 15th November to 14th December.
We love to welcome new makers as well as seeing old friends again. From textiles and ceramics to glasswork, leather, metalwork, art, sculpture, woodwork and more, why not fill in an application form to be considered for a stall.
Do share this post with anyone who might be interested! The link to the application form is in our profile, from roughamestate.com/welcome or send us a message and we’ll send you the link. 😃
We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
#suffolkcraftsociety #craftcouncil #craftsmanship #artisanmakers #britishcraft #handmade #lovehandmade #craftscouncil #artsandcraftsmovement #artisanmade #craftfair #suffolkmakers #eastanglia #eastanglianartists
Last week, we hosted a growers meeting for Ryvita in our new Meadow Room.
Farmers attended from all over East Anglia who grow rye, the main raw ingredient for Ryvita Crispbreads.
The Rougham Estate farm has a longstanding relationship with Ryvita having grown Rye on contract for them for over 35 years – and hopefully many more to come.
And did you know, this year we aim to produce enough Rye to produce a whopping 85.5 million Crispbreads for the supermarket shelves!
#farming #RoughamEstate #farminglife #ryvita #foodsupply #rawingredients #event #meadowroom
Last week, we hosted a growers meeting for Ryvita in our new Meadow Room.
Farmers attended from all over East Anglia who grow rye, the main raw ingredient for Ryvita Crispbreads.
The Rougham Estate farm has a longstanding relationship with Ryvita having grown Rye on contract for them for over 35 years – and hopefully many more to come.
And did you know, this year we aim to produce enough Rye to produce a whopping 85.5 million Crispbreads for the supermarket shelves!
#farming #RoughamEstate #farminglife #ryvita #foodsupply #rawingredients #event #meadowroom
Craft Workshops are back!
Tune in to your creative side here at Rougham Estate with our fantastic range of spring workshops at Rougham Estate.
Running throughout March, April, and May, these hands-on sessions are the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill and create something truly unique.
We have willow weaving, stained glass making to fused glass workshops and steam-bending wood, so there’s something for everyone.
Whether you`re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, these workshops offer a fantastic way to explore your creativity in the calming surroundings of Rougham Estate.
More info can be found in the link in our bio.
#artsandcrafts #creativity #makeyourown #crafts #crafting #diy #willow #weaving #willowweavingworkshop #willowweaving #glassart #woodsteambending #woodsteaming #roughamestate
Craft Workshops are back!
Tune in to your creative side here at Rougham Estate with our fantastic range of spring workshops at Rougham Estate.
Running throughout March, April, and May, these hands-on sessions are the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill and create something truly unique.
We have willow weaving, stained glass making to fused glass workshops and steam-bending wood, so there’s something for everyone.
Whether you`re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, these workshops offer a fantastic way to explore your creativity in the calming surroundings of Rougham Estate.
More info can be found in the link in our bio.
#artsandcrafts #creativity #makeyourown #crafts #crafting #diy #willow #weaving #willowweavingworkshop #willowweaving #glassart #woodsteambending #woodsteaming #roughamestate
We have two exciting opportunities for Harvest Operators to join our Estate team!
These are temporary positions available from June to October, offering competitive pay and benefits.
The role includes grain carting, loading grain lorries, grain store management, secondary cultivations and rolling, general farm work and wider Estate jobs.
Over 18’s only.
If you`re interested in applying or would like more information, you’ll find more information on the link in the bio.
#JobOpportunity #HarvestOperators #JoinOurTeam #vacancy #Role #hiring #newposition #RoughamEstate #roughamestatefarms
We have two exciting opportunities for Harvest Operators to join our Estate team!
These are temporary positions available from June to October, offering competitive pay and benefits.
The role includes grain carting, loading grain lorries, grain store management, secondary cultivations and rolling, general farm work and wider Estate jobs.
Over 18’s only.
If you`re interested in applying or would like more information, you’ll find more information on the link in the bio.
#JobOpportunity #HarvestOperators #JoinOurTeam #vacancy #Role #hiring #newposition #RoughamEstate #roughamestatefarms
This week`s special not to be missed is…
Charred pears on toasted sourdough with rocket, blue cheese, walnut granola and our very own Rougham Estate honey!
Did you know eating local honey is supposed to ward off hay-fever??
If that’s not a fantastic reason to try this dish then we don’t know what is!
#RoughamEstate #SpecialOffer #RootsCafé #RootsCafe #GoodFood #localfood #EatLocal #pear #peardish
This week`s special not to be missed is…
Charred pears on toasted sourdough with rocket, blue cheese, walnut granola and our very own Rougham Estate honey!
Did you know eating local honey is supposed to ward off hay-fever??
If that’s not a fantastic reason to try this dish then we don’t know what is!
#RoughamEstate #SpecialOffer #RootsCafé #RootsCafe #GoodFood #localfood #EatLocal #pear #peardish
Don’t miss out on the fabulous creations our team at Roots Cafe make – that will make your taste buds dance! Keep an eye out on our specials board for local and seasonal dishes! #roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #rootscafe #burystedmunds #suffolk #goodliving #goodfood #seasonalfood #localproduce
Don’t miss out on the fabulous creations our team at Roots Cafe make – that will make your taste buds dance! Keep an eye out on our specials board for local and seasonal dishes! #roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #rootscafe #burystedmunds #suffolk #goodliving #goodfood #seasonalfood #localproduce
Don’t miss out on our Valentine’s Day offers…
Enjoy two glasses of Prosecco for just £10, and take advantage of our buy one, get one half price on cakes and tray bakes.
These offers run until Sunday at 4pm.
Treat yourself and your loved one at Roots Café!
#RootsCafé #RoughamEstate #ValentinesGift #Valentines #SpecialPerson #ShowYourLove #SpecialOffer
Don’t miss out on our Valentine’s Day offers…
Enjoy two glasses of Prosecco for just £10, and take advantage of our buy one, get one half price on cakes and tray bakes.
These offers run until Sunday at 4pm.
Treat yourself and your loved one at Roots Café!
#RootsCafé #RoughamEstate #ValentinesGift #Valentines #SpecialPerson #ShowYourLove #SpecialOffer
In farming news…
We have been busy planting 100 new oak trees on a newly acquired block of land.
With the picturesque landscape of fields, hedgerows, woodland, and mature oaks surrounding us, we are dedicated to enhancing this natural space and creating important wildlife corridors across the Estate.
This planting is particularly significant as it represents the first step in restoring a lost green lane to its former state. Next year, we hope to fill the spaces between the young oaks with a native hedge. This addition will provide a crucial winter food source, nesting habitat, and a passage for local wildlife.
We believe that these efforts will not only improve the beauty of Rougham Estate but also contribute positively to the local ecosystem. Thank you for supporting us in this important work of restoration and preservation.
And enjoy taking in the sights on your walks around the Estate grounds!
#RoughamEstate #WoodlandConnections #ecosystem #treeplanting #trees #wildlife #WildlifeConservation
In farming news…
We have been busy planting 100 new oak trees on a newly acquired block of land.
With the picturesque landscape of fields, hedgerows, woodland, and mature oaks surrounding us, we are dedicated to enhancing this natural space and creating important wildlife corridors across the Estate.
This planting is particularly significant as it represents the first step in restoring a lost green lane to its former state. Next year, we hope to fill the spaces between the young oaks with a native hedge. This addition will provide a crucial winter food source, nesting habitat, and a passage for local wildlife.
We believe that these efforts will not only improve the beauty of Rougham Estate but also contribute positively to the local ecosystem. Thank you for supporting us in this important work of restoration and preservation.
And enjoy taking in the sights on your walks around the Estate grounds!
#RoughamEstate #WoodlandConnections #ecosystem #treeplanting #trees #wildlife #WildlifeConservation
Tag us @RoughamEstate
