Porters Lodge Cafe

House Stewards Flat Rotunda, Bury Saint Edmunds IP29 5QE, United Kingdom
$$$ Cafe
(60 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to Porters Lodge Café, a delightful gem nestled within the enchanting grounds of Ickworth House in Bury Saint Edmunds, United Kingdom. This charming café perfectly embodies the relaxed and welcoming spirit of a countryside retreat, making it an ideal stop for both locals and visitors exploring the stunning estate.

Porters Lodge Café offers a well-curated menu that highlights the best of local ingredients. Here, you can indulge in a variety of freshly prepared sandwiches and pastries that are bursting with flavor. Whether you opt for a hearty hot meal or a quick snack, the focus on quality ensures each bite is a testament to mindful sourcing and handcrafted goodness. The coffee is highly praised for its exceptional brews, providing the perfect pick-me-up after a stroll through the picturesque parkland.

As you sip your drink, take a moment to soak in the café's cozy atmosphere. The friendly staff, often remarked upon in reviews as being genuinely welcoming, create an inviting vibe that makes you feel at home. As customer Aiden Walsh notes, it’s the “cosy and relaxed atmosphere” that truly elevates the experience, especially after exploring the vast grounds of Ickworth House.

For those visiting with furry companions, Porters Lodge Café goes above and beyond to accommodate every member of the family. Gareth Ricketts happily points out the availability of “Doggy Ice Cream,” alongside free water and an array of treats for your pup. With plenty of outdoor seating, including shaded areas perfect for hot summer days, you can enjoy your coffee while your dog lounges comfortably by your side.

Don’t be misled by the café's charmingly simple menu; as highlighted by customer Suzanne, it’s this very intimacy that makes Porters Lodge Café special. With a focus on personal touches rather than corporate service, this friendly establishment allows you to savor delightful snacks in a genuine café experience. The limited menu does not detract from the quality of the offerings, each dish meticulously prepared to delight the taste buds.

In line with the café’s ethos of sheltering both guests and their pets, Judith Hooley emphasizes the welcoming spirit, noting that it’s “super dog friendly” with “beds and mats for your furry friends.” With limited indoor seating that adds to its intimate charm, there’s ample outdoor space for a breezy meal surrounded by nature.

Whether you're looking to recharge after a leisurely hike or simply bask in the beauty of the estate, Porters Lodge Café is the perfect pit stop for a cup of tea and a treat. It’s the ideal blend of comfort, quality, and a dash of canine-friendly joy that makes every visit memorable.

Visit Porters Lodge Café, and experience for yourself why this little haven is treasured by the community, with a delightful offering that goes beyond simple sustenance – it's about enjoying the moment and creating cherished memories.

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Historic
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Parking
Free parking lot
Paid parking lot
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
60 Reviews
Aiden Walsh

08 Sep 2025

Porters Lodge Café at Ickworth House offers a cosy and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for visitors exploring the estate. The café features a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, pastries, and hot meals, with an emphasis on local ingredients. The coffee is well-brewed, and there are vegetarian and gluten-free options available. The outdoor seating provides lovely views of the estate grounds, making it an ideal spot to unwind. Service is friendly and efficient, though the café can get busy during peak hours. Overall, it’s a charming place for a quick bite or a leisurely lunch amidst beautiful surroundings. My only gripe would be the slightly inflated prices, which didn't necessarily match the quality of the products.

gareth ricketts

20 Aug 2025

The food is pretty good, locally made and normally well prepared and served. There can be inconsistencies as its locally hand made, but that's part of the joy! Best part for me after a long walk with the pup is the Doggy Ice Cream, snacks and free water to fill their drinking bowl. The puppy loves this place as much as I do now he knows he gets treats too!

Stephanie Boddington

14 Aug 2025

Great place to stop off for a cuppa and maybe something to snack on. The outside seating is under the trees so can be quite cool at times, but great in the hot weather for a bit of shade for you and your “hot” dogs after a long walk in the glorious parkland.

Suzanne

03 Aug 2025

This is a lovely garden and café. It is a small place run by the owners and other enthusiastic and friendly people, so do not expect corporate service or a vast menu. It is a gem which I hope will stay personal yet successful. I trust that those giving unfavourable reviews will leave the place for the rest of us to enjoy.

Judith Hooley

06 Jun 2025

Handy cafe for drinks and snacks after a walk around Ickworth Park. Snacks are limited, but those we've had have been very tasty. Super dog friendly with free treats and beds and mats for your furry (and often muddy) friend to lay on. It's basic but it's welcoming and the staff are very friendly and helpful. Limited seating indoors with plenty more outside.

Join the Porters Lodge Cafe Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.