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

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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.

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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

At a Glance

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Open every day, incl. Bank Holidays

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Cards and Cash accepted at the Café

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Takeaway Hut: Card payment only

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Walk-ins Only (no bookings)

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Dogs welcome with paws on the floor

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Wheelchair accessible

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.

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Children and babies welcome

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Eat in or Take-Away

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.

Roots honey

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.

Roots Pantry Beer

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.

Roots Pantry Shop

Chocolates and sweets
If you’re looking for a little indulgence to take with you, we have chocolates, sweets, cookies and much more.

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Where to find us

Address: Blackthorpe Barn, Rougham
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
SatNav: IP30 9HZ
What3Words: newly.sofas.debating
View Ground Plan
Parking:

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

Directions:

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.

Roots crow landscape wider

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?

Can I bring my dog with me?

Yes, dogs are welcome in Roots Café, with paws on the floor.

Is Roots wheelchair-friendly?

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

Can I book a table?

We are not taking bookings for the café over the Christmas period. The tables are assigned on a first come, first served basis only.

Can I pay by card?

Yes, we accept both cards and cash at Roots.

Can I see the menu?

Yes, we have the menus listed on this page.

Can you accommodate my dietary requirements?

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.

Do you have highchairs?

Yes, we have highchairs at Roots and children have their own menu too. You can find a baby-changing unit in café toilets.

What are the photos in the washroom area?

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.

Can we sit in the little huts?

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.


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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!

Never miss a thing

Follow us on social
The last Christmas Craft Fair of 2024 is this weekend, with a fabulous range of amazing artisans here. It’s a glorious festive market in an ancient thatched Barn - what could be better at this time of year?

For any last minute gifts you need to find, or to treat yourself because you surely deserve it, this is where you want to be this weekend.

Shown here:
@birdfeedertree @mattbrownmakes @hannahdowdingfurniture @wildwoodkris @potashleather @mariannelakerdesigns @carola_sme CountryCharmCottageClothing @lindsay_duff_jewellery PaulineManders @fionakingdon_artist_in_wood @fairy_kaff @deeayles

Doors open Saturday and Sunday 10-4
Tickets £2.50 online, £3 on the door, children 16 and under, free. Assistance dogs only.

All the info from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile

#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #suffolkchristmas #christmasmarket #makersmarket
#artisanmade #madebyhand #craftfair #suffolkcraftsociety #suffolkcrafts #suffolkarts #artisanmade

The last Christmas Craft Fair of 2024 is this weekend, with a fabulous range of amazing artisans here. It’s a glorious festive market in an ancient thatched Barn – what could be better at this time of year?

For any last minute gifts you need to find, or to treat yourself because you surely deserve it, this is where you want to be this weekend.

Shown here:
@birdfeedertree @mattbrownmakes @hannahdowdingfurniture @wildwoodkris @potashleather @mariannelakerdesigns @carola_sme CountryCharmCottageClothing @lindsay_duff_jewellery PaulineManders @fionakingdon_artist_in_wood @fairy_kaff @deeayles

Doors open Saturday and Sunday 10-4
Tickets £2.50 online, £3 on the door, children 16 and under, free. Assistance dogs only.

All the info from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile

#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #suffolkchristmas #christmasmarket #makersmarket
#artisanmade #madebyhand #craftfair #suffolkcraftsociety #suffolkcrafts #suffolkarts #artisanmade

17 4
Still looking for presents? Here are some more great ideas, each one made by hand by the craftsperson showing and selling it at the Barn this coming weekend. It’s the very last Arts&Crafts Fair for this year, so if you haven’t been yet, now is a good time to visit!

Shown here:
@ceramicsbuyanja @honeybee_johneldred @kevcolbeardesign @juliahulmesculpture @merrywoodhandmade @katiemillardartist @peter.dibble.basketmaker @trucklecheese @j.w.h.mccaughan @yumyumtreefudgeltd @tuliphousenorfolk @leatherdesigncraft @artistcaz

Shop small this Christmas, supporting independent artisans.
Doors open Saturday and Sunday 10-4
Tickets £2.50 online, £3 on the door. Children 16 and under, free. Assistance dogs only.

All the details from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile

#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #burystedmunds #suffolk #suffolkchristmas #suffolkcraftsociety #suffolkarts #suffolkartsandcrafts #craftmarket #christmasmarket #madebyhand

Still looking for presents? Here are some more great ideas, each one made by hand by the craftsperson showing and selling it at the Barn this coming weekend. It’s the very last Arts&Crafts Fair for this year, so if you haven’t been yet, now is a good time to visit!

Shown here:
@ceramicsbuyanja @honeybee_johneldred @kevcolbeardesign @juliahulmesculpture @merrywoodhandmade @katiemillardartist @peter.dibble.basketmaker @trucklecheese @j.w.h.mccaughan @yumyumtreefudgeltd @tuliphousenorfolk @leatherdesigncraft @artistcaz

Shop small this Christmas, supporting independent artisans.
Doors open Saturday and Sunday 10-4
Tickets £2.50 online, £3 on the door. Children 16 and under, free. Assistance dogs only.

All the details from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile

#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #burystedmunds #suffolk #suffolkchristmas #suffolkcraftsociety #suffolkarts #suffolkartsandcrafts #craftmarket #christmasmarket #madebyhand

29 4
Only 2 weeks to go to Christmas! Are you ready?
It’s the last weekend for Arts&Crafts where around 50 amazing independent artisans will be gathering to show and sell their wonderful hand-made goods - it’s the perfect place to discover gifts that impress.

Doors open Saturday and Sunday 10-4
Tickets £2.50 online (£3 on the door) - Children 16 and under, free. Assistance dogs only.

Shown here:
@tamsinfrancescajewellery @rhodawebbart @rosanna_clare @molten_wonky JanetPowell @layertree @jacquelinemaydesigns @kittiwakejewellery @accessi.sew1 @artintheburrow IslandKnitwear

Blackthorpe Barn is very easy to get to - just off Junction 45 of the A14
All the details from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile

#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #craftfair #christmasmarket #burystedmunds #suffolkchristmas #suffolk

Only 2 weeks to go to Christmas! Are you ready?
It’s the last weekend for Arts&Crafts where around 50 amazing independent artisans will be gathering to show and sell their wonderful hand-made goods – it’s the perfect place to discover gifts that impress.

Doors open Saturday and Sunday 10-4
Tickets £2.50 online (£3 on the door) – Children 16 and under, free. Assistance dogs only.

Shown here:
@tamsinfrancescajewellery @rhodawebbart @rosanna_clare @molten_wonky JanetPowell @layertree @jacquelinemaydesigns @kittiwakejewellery @accessi.sew1 @artintheburrow IslandKnitwear

Blackthorpe Barn is very easy to get to – just off Junction 45 of the A14
All the details from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile

#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #craftfair #christmasmarket #burystedmunds #suffolkchristmas #suffolk

23 4
It might be blustery outside but Christmas at Blackthorpe Barn is still in full swing!
The shop is open, freshly-cut Christmas trees are for sale and the second-to-last Arts&Crafts Fair is hosting around 50 amazing independent makers selling their hand-crafted goods, which make perfect Christmas gifts (just some of them shown here).

Roots Café is open with the Takeaway Hut in the courtyard serving warming drinks and snacks and @tikka_tonic and @badboiburritos are cooking up a storm by the meadow, serving delicious warm food.

The café opens at 9, the shop from 9.30 and the crafts from 10.
All the details from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile

#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #burystedmunds #suffolk #christmas #christmasmarket

It might be blustery outside but Christmas at Blackthorpe Barn is still in full swing!
The shop is open, freshly-cut Christmas trees are for sale and the second-to-last Arts&Crafts Fair is hosting around 50 amazing independent makers selling their hand-crafted goods, which make perfect Christmas gifts (just some of them shown here).

Roots Café is open with the Takeaway Hut in the courtyard serving warming drinks and snacks and @tikka_tonic and @badboiburritos are cooking up a storm by the meadow, serving delicious warm food.

The café opens at 9, the shop from 9.30 and the crafts from 10.
All the details from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile

#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #burystedmunds #suffolk #christmas #christmasmarket

42 3

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