Rendham > Dining and Shopping
Juniper Barn, Rendham
Juniper Barn Café and Shop is located in Rendham, an unspoilt village between Framlingham and Saxmundham. We caught up with the owners, Katie and Geoffrey to find out more about their business.
Can you tell us a little bit
about Juniper Barn?
Juniper Barn opened 4 1/2 years ago as a shop and café in Rendham, a small village between Framlingham and Saxmundham. Set in a beautifully restored Suffolk barn, we offer all-day breakfast, lunch and tea in the café and sell locally produced food and drink, everyday essentials and treats, cards, maps and books, and a selection of fruit and veg in the shop. We have earned a reputation for our friendly and relaxed atmosphere, tasty simple food using locally sourced ingredients where possible, and quality products at reasonable prices. There is indoor and outdoor seating, easy access, parking and an accessible loo. Children, cyclists and walkers are very welcome and dogs are allowed.
What makes Juniper Barn unique?
We brought our 17th century barn back to life over a period of a year and created a shop and café to serve the community and visitors to our beautiful area. We are somewhat off the beaten track in an unspoilt Suffolk village and the barn has the wow factor as you walk in, with its ancient beams and friendly, warm atmosphere. It is unpretentious and welcoming and has become a regular destination for locals and holiday makers to eat, meet, rest and relax. Our cheese scones, carrot cake and all-day breakfasts are unique and widely recommended!
What’s not to be missed ?
Visitors should definitely try a warm cheese scone and Katie’s coffee, then an all-day breakfast (veggie with sausage and black pudding) or eggs benedict followed by home-made treacle tart or a Dhotel salted caramel chocolate mousse. Then, if they can move, browse the shop for top selling Baron Bigod cheese, take home a Truly Traceable pie or a Pub2Plate ready meal with a pack of our own brand coffee and some locally baked bread. They should also spend time in the loo – it has quite a reputation for its décor!
Can you give us a random fact about Juniper Barn?
In 2020 (such a great year…), Juniper Barn was awarded recognition as one of the top 10% of restaurants in the world by Tripadvisor! It is run by two Christians, who love meeting new people, serving the community and who have a passion for supporting local businesses and locally produced food and other products. We supply breakfast hampers full of delicious local products to campers holidaying in local campsites.
Where would you
recommend to go for a walk?
You should head over to Framlingham and visit the historic castle and church, and if it’s a Saturday or Tuesday, take in the Market. If you’re staying locally, taste a pint or two of ale at the Sweffling White Horse (check for opening times) and explore some of the many stunning walks in this area. For a great evening meal, try the Station pub or Watson and Walpole Italian restaurant, both in Framlingham. If you love art, creativity or the countryside, don’t miss anything that is on at Alde Valley White House Farm (www.galloper-sands.co.uk). For music lovers, Snape Maltings is a must.
What is your favourite thing to do in Suffolk on your day off?
We love to spend the day in Southwold, walking from the town to the harbour, over to Walberswick and then back across the marshes, followed by a pint of Adnams in the Sole Bay or a meal at the Sail Loft. Geoffrey loves nothing better than a game of golf at Aldeburgh, while Katie happily spends time at Snape Maltings enjoying shopping and a concert.
