At The Farmhouse Kitchen & Pantry in Wheatacre, sustainability isn’t just a box we tick — it’s at the heart of everything we do. Nestled on the family-run E S Burroughs & Sons dairy farm on the Norfolk–Suffolk border, our café and farm shop are part of a much bigger picture: one that champions regenerative tourism, responsible farming, and community-focused values.
What Is Regenerative Tourism?
Regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability. It’s about leaving a place better than you found it — restoring natural systems, supporting local economies, and encouraging meaningful connections between people and place.
Here at The Farmhouse Kitchen & Pantry, our approach to regenerative tourism is grounded in our work on the land and in our kitchen. We want visitors to enjoy honest, seasonal food while feeling confident they’re supporting a business that puts care for the environment and local community first.
Farming with Nature
As part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, biodiversity is a big focus for us. We plant cover crops to enrich the soil, reduce erosion, and create habitats for wildlife. Around the farm, wildflower strips and grassy margins encourage bees, butterflies, and farmland birds. In fact, over 70 species were recorded on our land last year.
Our bees don’t just pollinate crops — they also produce honey used in our ice creams and bakes, right here in the café.
Renewable Energy and Circular Thinking
The café runs on renewable energy, with a heat source pump and solar panels powering our space year-round. We also reduce waste by bulk-buying essential supplies (like dairy cleaning chemicals) to cut down on plastic, and we operate clear waste management and recycling systems as part of our everyday routine.
Sourcing Locally and Seasonally
Our menus are built around the seasons and what we grow ourselves. You’ll always find plant-based options, homemade specials, and ingredients from local, trusted suppliers. This reduces food miles, supports other small businesses, and ensures quality on every plate.
Our café itself is a repurposed stable block, thoughtfully converted using local tradespeople and materials — creating a warm, inviting space that’s accessible to all.
Why It Matters
Whether you’re visiting us for a slow brunch, a slice of homemade cake, or to stock up on pantry essentials, your visit supports a wider mission. You’re choosing to back a small, local business rooted in regenerative principles — one that works with the land, not against it.
We’re proud to be part of a growing movement of eco-conscious cafés and farm shops in Norfolk and Suffolk, and we welcome visitors who are curious to learn more about sustainable food, farming, and rural life.
Want to find out more about our regenerative approach or plan your visit?
Give us a call on 01502 677208 — we’d love to hear from you.
