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
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.
Closed on 24th, 25th and 26th December.
No bookings taken between 17 October and 15 December.
Reservations only for groups of 8 or more at other times.
Email rootscafe@roughamestate.com and please include a number we can call you on.
Reservations are only confirmed when you receive a confirmation call/email from us.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the café with a paws-on-the-floor policy.
Please do keep your dog under control and ensure that your dog does not disturb other people’s enjoyment of the premises or block passageways.
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.
Find out more and buy Rougham Estate gift vouchers by clicking here. (Opens in new tab)
How it Works
01
First Come, First Served
We operate on a first come, first served basis.
We are unable to accommodate reservations during the Christmas period and will start taking reservations again, for groups of 8 or more only, after 15th December.
02
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.
03
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.
04
Well-behaved Dogs Welcome
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the café with a paws-on-the-floor policy; they will be welcomed with their own bowl of water.
- Please keep your dog under control and ensure that your dog does not disturb other people’s enjoyment of the premises or block passageways.
05
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 stock gluten-free bread and serve some gluten-free dishes. Please ask if you have any queries when ordering.
- For details of allergens in each dish, please see the downloadable pdf menus below
06
Parking
There is plenty of free parking available, including accessible parking.
07
Christmas Opening and Bookings
The café is open every day except 24th, 25th and 26th December, when we are closed.
- No reservations are taken for dates between 20th October and 15th December.
- Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate Christmas parties.
To book for groups of 8 or more from 16th December, email rootscafe@roughamestate.com
Bookings are only confirmed when you hear back from us.
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.
At Christmas
During the festive season, Roots Café takes on a magical glow, with a seasonal menu, warming drinks and homemade Christmas bakes served in a cosy, decorated setting. Just the place to take a break from shopping for decorations in the Shop, for hand-crafted gifts at the Arts & Crafts Fair and for finding your perfect Christmas tree!
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.
Rougham Estate Gift Vouchers
Treat someone special to a memorable visit to Rougham Estate with a gift voucher that can be used in both Roots Café and the Rougham Estate Shop.
Whether it’s coffee and a tasty brunch at Roots Café, a unique find from the Garden and Lifestyle Shop, something beautiful for Christmas (shop open mid-October to December, including Christmas trees) or a luxury treat from the Pantry Shop, your gift voucher is valid for 1 year from the time of purchase and can be used over multiple visits.
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.
The Barn is down the avenue, on the right.
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, well-behaved dogs are welcome in Roots Café, with paws on the floor.
- Please keep your dog under control at all times and ensure that your dog does not disturb other people’s enjoyment of the premises or block any passageways.
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.
Yes we do! Gift vouchers are available to buy from £25 upwards and can be used in Roots Café, the Garden and Lifestyle Shop, the Christmas Shop, in Roots Pantry Shop and towards buying Rougham Estate Christmas trees.
The gift vouchers last for 1 year from the date of purchase and can be used over multiple visits. They make great gifts, with a wide range of items to spend them on.
You can find out more and buy Rougham Estate gift vouchers by clicking here (opens in new tab).
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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Struggling with gift ideas this Christmas?
If they are a fan of Rougham Estate, then why don’t you treat them to a gift voucher which can be used in Roots Café, the Pantry Shop, and the Rougham Estate Shop including buying Christmas trees (they are valid for one year).
Vouchers are available from £25 to £200 and can be spent over multiple trips.
That’s Christmas sorted! ✔️
#roughamestate #gifvoucher #christmasspend
If you haven’t already purchased your tree, why not consider a potted one?
Potted trees offer many benefits, including sustainability and flexibility as an alternative to cut trees.
They can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors, and with proper care, they can be reused year after year, either repotted or planted in your garden.
We have a variety of sizes and species to choose from.
Visit Rougham Estate today to find the perfect Christmas tree, whether it’s potted or freshly cut!
#RoughamEstate #PottedChristmasTrees #SustainableHolidays #EcoFriendlyChristmas
Have you finished your Christmas Shopping yet? Come and find what you need at the Arts&Crafts Fair on Rougham Estate, this coming weekend.
The beautiful, thatched Blackthorpe Barn will be buzzing with around 50 talented designer-makers selling their creations. You’re sure to find inspiration here!
Makers shown here:
@hedkasedesigns @jewellerybyjulie @triciafrancispots @birdfeedertree @deeayles @katiemillardartist @makeroftinyglassstuff @thepinkhareuk @ceramicsbuyanja @petal_anderson @beadedgarden @jasminrowlandson
Doors open 10am – 4pm for this final Crafts Christmas Market for 2025
Day tickets £2.50 online (£3 on the door)
Children 16 and under: free
Assistance dogs only
Just east of Bury St Edmunds Suffolk, Junction 45, A14
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #suffolkevent #christmasmarket #suffolkchristmas #suffolkartsociety #suffolkartsociety #suffolkcraftsociety #artisanmade #artisanmarket
What theme are you going for this Christmas?
Are you more of a:
1. Rococo?
2. Woodland?
3. Winterwonderland?
You can shop the look. Just visit the @roughamestateshop page for tips and more product information.
The Rougham Estate Shop is open daily from 9:30am – 5pm (except Sundays when we close at 4pm).
Get the look before it goes!
#shopthelook #roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #magicalchristmasmoments
If you are a mushroom fan, you’ll love this special dish.
Available for this week only we have…
Sauteed Wild Mushrooms with sage and whipped goats cheese on toasted sourdough with balsamic glaze.
Don’t miss out!
#special #foodlover #roughamestate #rootscafe
It’s the final weekend of Arts & Crafts at Rougham Estate this coming weekend. The last 4 weekends have been amazing and this weekend promises to beat them all!
With a range of makers joining us for the first time this year and other artisans coming back after they were with us on the first weekend, it’s whole new mix of designer-makers selling their creations, from jewellery to artworks, cosmetics to ceramics, sparkling wine to knitwear, garden sculptures, leatherwork, home fragrances and much more.
In all, around 50 makers will be at the Barn this weekend. Why not book your tickets online and find the perfect gifts here.
The makers showcased here are:
@zoejanejewellery @saffrongrange @rhodawebbart @Elsieandtomcandles @beeinspired_natural_skincare IslandKnitwear @westlodgepottery @nettiebirch @tiltshiftleatherworks @laura.harveyceramics @forevergardenmetalartwork
Doors open 10am – 4pm this weekend
Day tickets £2.50 online (£3 on the door)
Children 16 and under: free
Assistance dogs only
Just east of Bury St Edmunds Suffolk, Junction 45, A14
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #suffolkevent #christmasmarket #suffolkchristmas #suffolkartsociety #suffolkartsociety #suffolkcraftsociety #artisanmade #artisanmarket
If you haven’t already put your Christmas tree up, this tree-tutorial will ensure it’s extra special!
All the items used are from the Rougham Estate Shop and have been thoughtfully decorated by Suzie, our shop buyer.
You will be able to find much more information on products, items, and “how to’s” if you follow the Rougham Estate Shop page.
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #christmas #treetorial #howtothischristmas
The best Christmas Market in the area! This weekend the old thatched Barn is literally packed with fabulous hand-crafted goodies made by talented artisans, some creating their work before your eyes at their stalls.
This is but a selection of what is on offer, from bags to glasswork, jewellery to artworks, ceramics, woodwork, food and drink and much more!
These makers are with us for the last time tomorrow, Sunday 7th December, so visit now or miss them this year.
@kate_wrigglesworth @luvdaisydaisy @tim_plunkett_designer_maker @stained_glass_studio @sparetimebyhelena @redbikeleatherworks @lizziebrownceramics @wildknightdistillery @matthewread42 @louisepettersson_craftsperson @hannahdowdingfurniture @lizzingtonbags @kittiwakejewellery @mays_wonderfully_woven @HelenMaxfield @Getknottedmacrame @wendytheobaldwildlife @rosanna_clare @cleoandbel @JadwigaZaleskiJewellery
Come and enjoy a day out in the glorious Suffolk countryside and find the gift you’ve been looking for!
Doors open 10am – 4pm this weekend and next (finishing on 14th December)
Day tickets £2.50 online (£3 on the door)
Children 16 and under: free
Assistance dogs only
Just east of Bury St Edmunds Suffolk, Junction 45, A14
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #artisanmarket #artisanmade #suffolkartsociety #suffolkcraftsociety #suffolkevent #suffolkchristmas #christmasmarket #christmasgiving
Tag us @RoughamEstate
