Folk Café in Fornham St Martin, near Bury St Edmunds, launches new luxury B&B

A popular café which attracts customers from all over the region has launched a new luxury bed and breakfast.

Folk Café, based at Fornham Business Court, Fornham St Martin, near Bury St Edmunds, launched the B&B, called Willow House, last month.

Folk Café was launched by Ali Barker in 2018 and since its launch it has become a popular destination cafe and meeting place for people from across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridge, and Essex.

Many of the clientele have asked Ali where they can stay locally when they visit.

So when a former farm workers’ house became available next to the café, Ali grabbed the opportunity and began a full renovation and refurbishment.

The three-bedroom flint house is now fully furnished and equipped, which Ali hopes will provide a true ‘home-from-home’ experience.

“It’s an entire, complete family house, with private garden, driveway, furnishing and accessories,” said Ali.

“We have only just started marketing it and already have around 10 bookings, which is a great start.

“People can use it either as a get-away or as a base to visit the attractions, starting in Fornham and surrounding areas, including Bury, which is under ten minutes away, or to explore further afield.”

Willow House is fully furnished with a list of 49 amenities including TV with Netflix, log burner, kitchen with breakfast bar, dining room, bath and shower room, separate toilet.

It sleeps up to 10 people with the use of a sofa bed and breakfast is included on the price of £161 a night.

It also includes everyday living items from a washer and separate dryer, to a microwave, vacuum, bedroom essentials and towels.

Pets are also welcome.

The B&B, which is also listed on the popular holiday home site, Airbnb, is part of expansion plans which will see the café triple in size over the next five months.

“It feels quite surreal how much the business has grown since we launched with five staff, five years ago,” said Ali.

“It was only really intended to serve the business park but has now become a destination café and people visit from all over.

"We are lucky to work with some great local suppliers including Woosters bakery and Butterworth and Sons coffee roasters and tea smiths, who have all helped the café become what it is today.”

Folk Café itself will be closed between July 15 and August 15 for the café extension to be completed.