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.
Summer Parking Arrangements
During the summer months, from May to September, the entrance to the Café and Shop changes to go through the arch, with parking in the “Christmas Tree” area, rather than entering by the meadow and sunken garden.
This is because the Barn is used for private events and weddings during these months.
New signage will show you where to go.
There is still plenty of parking, including accessible parking, and the secondary car parks are still available to use.
Please email rootscafe@roughamestate.com if you are visiting with a group of 8 people or more during the week. No on-the-day bookings and no weekend bookings.
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, except for bigger groups of 8 people or more.
Bookings taken for groups of 8 or more, Monday to Friday only
If you are visiting with a larger group during the week, please email us on rootscafe@roughamestate.com to let us know your group size and the date and time you wish to come. No on-the-day bookings and no bookings at the weekend.
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.
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?
The café mostly operates on a first come, first served basis, but if you wish to visit with a group of 8 people or more during the week (Monday to Friday), please email rootscafe@roughamestate.com to make a booking.
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
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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Evenings…in your garden
After a busy day at work, kicking back and relaxing on a balmy evening in the garden can be quite special and the perfect way to unwind.
In our award winning Rougham Estate Shop we have some items that will make it quite magical, from festoon lights, vases, serving dishes, citronella candles to blankets – if you get chilly.
All for a perfect evening with a touch of class – and a glass…of wine.
You can find a range of delightful wines in Roots Café on sale to take home. @BurntHouseVineyards
#summerinthegarden #roughamestateshop #burystedmundsandbeyond #roughamestate #suffolklifestyle #BlackthorpeBarn #burnthousevineyard #wineglass #eveninginthegrden #tableware #tablesetting #outdoorliving #outdoorlife #suffolklife #suffolkgarden #gardenroomshop #lovelife
Evenings…in your garden
After a busy day at work, kicking back and relaxing on a balmy evening in the garden can be quite special and the perfect way to unwind.
In our award winning Rougham Estate Shop we have some items that will make it quite magical, from festoon lights, vases, serving dishes, citronella candles to blankets – if you get chilly.
All for a perfect evening with a touch of class – and a glass…of wine.
You can find a range of delightful wines in Roots Café on sale to take home. @BurntHouseVineyards
#summerinthegarden #roughamestateshop #burystedmundsandbeyond #roughamestate #suffolklifestyle #BlackthorpeBarn #burnthousevineyard #wineglass #eveninginthegrden #tableware #tablesetting #outdoorliving #outdoorlife #suffolklife #suffolkgarden #gardenroomshop #lovelife
Forest Bathing… originated in Japan … is a chance for you to immerse yourself with nature to relieve stress and improve your mental well being.
Have you consider taking a peaceful walk in the woods and immerse yourself in nature’s embrace? Stroll along the paths, enjoy the calming rustle of leaves and the cool shade provided by the towering trees. Marvel at the vibrant flora and delicate butterflies fluttering about. Keep an eye out for wildlife—you might spot squirrels, mice, or even a deer.
This serene escape offers the perfect opportunity to practice forest bathing, allowing you to soak in the tranquility and beauty of the forest. It’s a wonderful way to reconnect with nature, clear your mind, and rejuvenate your spirit. Embrace the serenity and beauty of the forest—it’s the perfect escape.
We have organised and gathered information on all tracks on the Rougham Estate’s website including GPS and videos. Click on the link in the bio above and click on Walks for more details.
#naturewalk #walkinthewoods #forestbathing #woodlandwalks #suffolkwalks #explorenature #outdooradventure #reconnectwithnature #wildlifespotting #naturelovers #walklovers #peacefulmoments #roughamestate #roughamestatewalks #estatewalks #burystedmundsandbeyond #suffolklife #beautifulnature #suffolkwoodlands #suffolkadventure
Forest Bathing… originated in Japan … is a chance for you to immerse yourself with nature to relieve stress and improve your mental well being.
Have you consider taking a peaceful walk in the woods and immerse yourself in nature’s embrace? Stroll along the paths, enjoy the calming rustle of leaves and the cool shade provided by the towering trees. Marvel at the vibrant flora and delicate butterflies fluttering about. Keep an eye out for wildlife—you might spot squirrels, mice, or even a deer.
This serene escape offers the perfect opportunity to practice forest bathing, allowing you to soak in the tranquility and beauty of the forest. It’s a wonderful way to reconnect with nature, clear your mind, and rejuvenate your spirit. Embrace the serenity and beauty of the forest—it’s the perfect escape.
We have organised and gathered information on all tracks on the Rougham Estate’s website including GPS and videos. Click on the link in the bio above and click on Walks for more details.
#naturewalk #walkinthewoods #forestbathing #woodlandwalks #suffolkwalks #explorenature #outdooradventure #reconnectwithnature #wildlifespotting #naturelovers #walklovers #peacefulmoments #roughamestate #roughamestatewalks #estatewalks #burystedmundsandbeyond #suffolklife #beautifulnature #suffolkwoodlands #suffolkadventure
The harvest has started on Rougham Estate🎉
Do you remember the new combine that was at the South Suffolk Show earlier this year? Here it is in action, the Claas Lexion 7700 doing what it does best, and not quite so shiny and clean anymore😆
This is feed barley being harvested here and we expect to be harvesting various crops through to possibly the end of August, depending on the weather. 🤞for dry days☀️
Thanks to @beanstalkmedia.co.uk for the fabulous pics and video😃👍
#roughamestate #roughamestatefarms #harvest #harvesttime #claas #claaslexion #claaslexion7700 #combineharvester #harvesting #barley #harvesttime #suffolkfarm #suffolkfarming #suffolkfarminglife #farmlife #britishfarmers #farmlife #farminguk #harvest2024 #burystedmunds #suffolklocal #suffolkcountryside
The harvest has started on Rougham Estate🎉
Do you remember the new combine that was at the South Suffolk Show earlier this year? Here it is in action, the Claas Lexion 7700 doing what it does best, and not quite so shiny and clean anymore😆
This is feed barley being harvested here and we expect to be harvesting various crops through to possibly the end of August, depending on the weather. 🤞for dry days☀️
Thanks to @beanstalkmedia.co.uk for the fabulous pics and video😃👍
#roughamestate #roughamestatefarms #harvest #harvesttime #claas #claaslexion #claaslexion7700 #combineharvester #harvesting #barley #harvesttime #suffolkfarm #suffolkfarming #suffolkfarminglife #farmlife #britishfarmers #farmlife #farminguk #harvest2024 #burystedmunds #suffolklocal #suffolkcountryside
Here are this week’s café specials🎉
Treat yourself to this fabulous salad comprising mixed leaves, tomato, cucumber ribbons, feta, strawberries, balsamic and hot honey dressing and topped with toasted pine nuts. Perfect for a sunny day!
Or why not try our other special of a @thefriendlyloaf croissant topped with smoked pancetta, poached egg, rocket and parmesan. Delicious!
Both are available all day, every day this week😃🙌
🌞Sit inside or out and enjoy the beautiful Suffolk surroundings, with a sandpit to keep little people happy. Or grab a takeaway drink if you’d rather take a stroll.
🛍️Don’t forget to visit the Garden Room shop just next door – perfect for gifts and treats, or the Pantry shop for carefully selected local produce.
It’s always worth popping in to Rougham Estate!
More details from the link in our profile
roughamestate.com/welcome
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #weeklyspecials #suffolkcafe #suffolkfoodie #suffolklocal #burystedmunds #burystedmundsandbeyond #daysoutsuffolk #wheretogosuffolk #eatlocal #suffolklifestyle #summersalads #summerholiday2024 #suffolksummer
Here are this week’s café specials🎉
Treat yourself to this fabulous salad comprising mixed leaves, tomato, cucumber ribbons, feta, strawberries, balsamic and hot honey dressing and topped with toasted pine nuts. Perfect for a sunny day!
Or why not try our other special of a @thefriendlyloaf croissant topped with smoked pancetta, poached egg, rocket and parmesan. Delicious!
Both are available all day, every day this week😃🙌
🌞Sit inside or out and enjoy the beautiful Suffolk surroundings, with a sandpit to keep little people happy. Or grab a takeaway drink if you’d rather take a stroll.
🛍️Don’t forget to visit the Garden Room shop just next door – perfect for gifts and treats, or the Pantry shop for carefully selected local produce.
It’s always worth popping in to Rougham Estate!
More details from the link in our profile
roughamestate.com/welcome
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #weeklyspecials #suffolkcafe #suffolkfoodie #suffolklocal #burystedmunds #burystedmundsandbeyond #daysoutsuffolk #wheretogosuffolk #eatlocal #suffolklifestyle #summersalads #summerholiday2024 #suffolksummer
When are the sunflowers opening??🌻
That’s just the question we are asking too!😁
The flowers are growing well and this sun/rain/sun weather is great for them, but they aren’t in flower yet.🙄
We’re keeping a very close eye and as soon as we know that there will be blooms for you to see, we’ll let you know the opening date. Currently we’re saying it’s “Early August”, but we can’t say more than that right now.
We can’t wait to open and to welcome you again, but for now we’re going to have to wait a little longer… 🙃
You can be sure we’ll be letting you know as soon as we know!👍😁🌻🌻
#roughamsunflowers #roughamestate #sunflowerfield #burystedmunds #sunflowers2024 #sunflowers #lovesunflowers #sunflowerlove #notopenyet #suffolksunflowers #suffolklife #suffolksummer #suffolkliving #waitingishard
When are the sunflowers opening??🌻
That’s just the question we are asking too!😁
The flowers are growing well and this sun/rain/sun weather is great for them, but they aren’t in flower yet.🙄
We’re keeping a very close eye and as soon as we know that there will be blooms for you to see, we’ll let you know the opening date. Currently we’re saying it’s “Early August”, but we can’t say more than that right now.
We can’t wait to open and to welcome you again, but for now we’re going to have to wait a little longer… 🙃
You can be sure we’ll be letting you know as soon as we know!👍😁🌻🌻
#roughamsunflowers #roughamestate #sunflowerfield #burystedmunds #sunflowers2024 #sunflowers #lovesunflowers #sunflowerlove #notopenyet #suffolksunflowers #suffolklife #suffolksummer #suffolkliving #waitingishard
Lazy Sunday – a perfect time to come and have an all-day breakfast at Roots Café on Rougham Estate.
From granola through to a fry-up, there’s something for everyone on the menu. Sit inside or out, browse the exciting Garden Room shop or treat yourself with a glass of something summery.
If you prefer something more energetic, why not try one of the walks around the Estate?
For all the info as well as detailed descriptions of the walks, see the link in our profile
roughamestate.com/welcome
See you soon!
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #lazysunday #lazysubdaymorning #sundaysunday #sundaybreakfast #burystedmunds #burystedmundsandbeyond #burystedmundssuffolk #suffolkbreakfast #suffolkcafes #suffolkfoodie #suffolkdestination #suffolkcountryside #lovesuffolk #suffolklife #suffolklifestyle
Lazy Sunday – a perfect time to come and have an all-day breakfast at Roots Café on Rougham Estate.
From granola through to a fry-up, there’s something for everyone on the menu. Sit inside or out, browse the exciting Garden Room shop or treat yourself with a glass of something summery.
If you prefer something more energetic, why not try one of the walks around the Estate?
For all the info as well as detailed descriptions of the walks, see the link in our profile
roughamestate.com/welcome
See you soon!
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #lazysunday #lazysubdaymorning #sundaysunday #sundaybreakfast #burystedmunds #burystedmundsandbeyond #burystedmundssuffolk #suffolkbreakfast #suffolkcafes #suffolkfoodie #suffolkdestination #suffolkcountryside #lovesuffolk #suffolklife #suffolklifestyle
Summers here, at last!
And it’s going to be a scorcher today!
Why don’t you take advantage of our outdoor spaces; the courtyard and sunken garden and an ice cream?
We have lots of flavours to enjoy! ☀️🍦🍨
Or perhaps an iced coffee?
We hope to see you soon!
saffronicecreamcosales
#icecream #icecoffee #Roughams #state #roughamestate #roughamroots #blackthorpebarn #outdoor #living #outdoorliving #Sunshine #familyfun
Summers here, at last!
And it’s going to be a scorcher today!
Why don’t you take advantage of our outdoor spaces; the courtyard and sunken garden and an ice cream?
We have lots of flavours to enjoy! ☀️🍦🍨
Or perhaps an iced coffee?
We hope to see you soon!
saffronicecreamcosales
#icecream #icecoffee #Roughams #state #roughamestate #roughamroots #blackthorpebarn #outdoor #living #outdoorliving #Sunshine #familyfun
Tea Time… in your Garden
Afternoon tea tastes better when it’s in the garden. It’s simply the best place.
To make it even more special, we have a range of furnishings and tableware to bring it to life and make it fit for a Queen! You can find more at our @RoughamEstateShop
You can also pick up a cake or two from our Roots Café or a selection of our coffee and tea from local producer Butterworth & Son.
#alfrescoliving #alfresco #awardwinning #sunshine #gardenshop #goodliving #muddystilettosawards #alfrescodining #Lifestyleshop #Suffolk #RoughamEstate #afternoontea #afternoonteaparty
Tea Time… in your Garden
Afternoon tea tastes better when it’s in the garden. It’s simply the best place.
To make it even more special, we have a range of furnishings and tableware to bring it to life and make it fit for a Queen! You can find more at our @RoughamEstateShop
You can also pick up a cake or two from our Roots Café or a selection of our coffee and tea from local producer Butterworth & Son.
#alfrescoliving #alfresco #awardwinning #sunshine #gardenshop #goodliving #muddystilettosawards #alfrescodining #Lifestyleshop #Suffolk #RoughamEstate #afternoontea #afternoonteaparty
Tag us @RoughamEstate
