Things to do for all ages
Make a day of it
Whatever brings you through our doors, there’s plenty to explore when you get here. Pick up the best of our local produce, enjoy lunch at The Café or The Restaurant, or visit one of our on-site partners. Take some time to browse our carefully selected products while the little ones play on our bouncy pillow. However you choose to spend your time with us and whoever you choose to spend it with, there’s something for everyone.
For kids
Suffolk Food Hall is a great place for a family day out, with plenty to keep younger visitors entertained. Our free bouncy pillow, adventure play equipment and wide-open paddocks give children the space to run, play and explore. From spring through to autumn, you’ll also find The Hut in our front paddock – a cheerful kiosk serving locally sourced Italian-style ice-cream and gelato. When it’s time for lunch, child-friendly options across the Food Hall, The Café and The Restaurant make it easy to find something to suit every appetite.
Our on-site partners add even more to the mix for our younger guests. Ilia’s Kitchen hosts cookery workshops for children and teens during the school holidays, Orwell Fitness runs CrossFit Kids’ classes and The Playground’s outdoor assault course is sure to be a hit with adventurers aged five and over. Keep an eye out for our regular colouring competitions too!
Dining
Whatever the occasion, Suffolk Food Hall has dining to suit. The Café serves expertly crafted barista coffees, teas, light bites and sweet treats seven days a week. Inside there’s plenty of seating, while the covered, dog-friendly outside terrace enjoys views across the River Orwell.
The Restaurant’s seasonal farm-to-fork menu runs from breakfast through to lunch, alongside pre-booked Afternoon Tea, all enjoyed against the backdrop of the river. Beloved favourites sit alongside seasonal creations, all crafted from the very best local ingredients.
Food Hall, Home & Garden
At Suffolk Food Hall our Home & Garden department and Food Hall sit side-by-side, making it easy to pick up everything from fresh ingredients to thoughtful pieces for your home and garden in one visit. Browse Home & Garden for seasonal plants, outdoor pieces and a stylish selection of homeware.
Then head across to the Food Hall where you’ll find a generous selection of local and regional produce from our traditional Butchery, artisan Bakery, Deli and Greengrocer. Complete your visit by popping by our Winery, where you’ll discover a wonderful choice of Suffolk spirits, wines, beers and ciders. Before you leave, don’t forget to pick up a hamper of SFH goodies to enjoy at home.
Cookery classes
Whether you’re a confident cook bored with your current repertoire of meals on rotation or a complete beginner, Ilia’s Kitchen Cookery School has a course for you. From vegetarian cooking and specialist classes for gluten-free and dairy-free diets, to bread making, there’s something for every palate and ability. Looking for a memorable way to celebrate a special occasion? Bespoke cookery days are perfect for birthdays, hen parties and other special events, with optional wine tasting. Corporate team building days are also available and can be designed to be as competitive or relaxed as you like. Ilia’s Cookery School also runs classes for children and teens so your little ones can discover their inner Gordon Ramsay or just learn to have a whole lot of fun in the kitchen.
Fitness
Be it gentle, mindful sessions or heart-thumping adrenaline, our brilliant on-site fitness partners cater to ever kind of mover. Orwell Fitness offers two state-of-the-art gyms, a variety of classes and a team of friendly, accredited trainers, all wrapped up in a friendly, community-led atmosphere that makes every session enjoyable.
For a slower, more considered pace, Penny Jones Pilates runs expert-led classes in a charming medieval barn studio, with small class sizes and a thoughtful approach to movement, mobility and strength. If you love a thrill, The Playground is throwing down the gauntlet with its exhilarating 1km outdoor assault course, packed with over 30 obstacles and offering a weekend ‘Pay & Play’ challenge that’s perfect for anyone who likes their fitness with a generous side order of mud.
Health & Beauty
Discover our on-site health and beauty partners at Suffolk Food Hall, where beauty and wellbeing fit effortlessly into your day. Start with Salon by the Bridge, our resident hair salon, offering expert cuts, colour and smoothing treatments in a creative, calm space. Upstairs in the Cook House, Bodylines Beauty Salon delivers a wide range of facial and body treatments, alongside manicures and pedicures to help you feel polished and refreshed. Feet at the Bridge specialises in top rate foot care, delivered with a clinical, considered approach while Georgia Stark Osteopathy brings a holistic focus to movement and recovery, combining hands-on treatment with tailored advice to support your wellbeing.
Bentley Interiors
Bentley Interiors inspires those planning a home project to explore what’s possible. From kitchens and bathrooms to bedrooms and boot rooms, their showroom brings together a collection of brands and styles to help shape your space. With top brands including Laura Ashley, Symphony and Aquadi, there’s a wealth of stunning options to explore whatever your vision. Their experienced, friendly team supports you throughout the process, working closely with you to bring your vision to life. With beautifully selected doors and handles, bespoke furniture and a complete installation service, every detail is taken care of from start to finish.
Walks
Step out from Suffolk Food Hall and you’re right beside the River Orwell, with easy access to a network of scenic public footpaths. From here, you can follow the shoreline at your own pace heading towards Pin Mill or in the direction of Orwell Bridge, taking in wide open views of the estuary, passing boats and the changing landscape along the way.
Leah Louise Floral Artistry
With a passion for pushing creative boundaries while embracing the beauty of simplicity, Leah Louise Floral Artistry creates flowers that leave a lasting impression. From Wedding bouquets and buttonholes, to celebration flowers and beautiful bouquets, Leah is here to help style and put together your perfect flower arrangement. Find her in the Garden Barn.