Old Hall Farm Cafe, Southwold
If you’re from ’round here’, you’ve probably heard of the Maize Maze. It’s long been a tradition for many families in Suffolk and has changed considerably over the years. The team at Old Hall Farm have been growing the business, turning the maze from a field into a complex of amenities. We were brought on board to design the café. This was an exciting brief, transforming a cow shed into a place where people could meet, eat, and drink in the views of the Blyth Valley.
Approach
This isn’t your typical barn conversion. From the original footprint of the cow shed, we wanted to created a space that made functional sense for a business, whilst also maintaining the charm of once being a farming building. The cafe needed to be open and light, and the glass fronted south elevation provides access to the stunning views. We also developed the immediate area too, incorporating an outdoor seating area, car park and toilet block.
The building works to support the summer of the Maize Maze, using a purpose built hatch to serve customers quickly and efficiently. The cafe too has become a feature in its’ own right, not least because of the walks, becoming a popular brunch spot throughout the year.
Team
Lead Design: Peter Wells and Ashley Benn
Photography: Eric Orme
