ABOUT US
A HISTORY OF ROFF CATERING
Eight Decades
ONE FAMILY FEELING
Roff Caterers has been serving delicious food across the East of England for the last eight decades.
The story began as a leading supplier to colleges and top hotels in the Cambridge area. From those early kitchens, Roff went on to cater at some of the region’s largest events and for some of its most distinguished guests—including members of the Royal Family.
Since the 1960s, Bury St Edmunds has been home: a central place between Ipswich and the East Coast in one direction, and Cambridge in the other.
A STORY THROUGH THE AGES
Built over generations.
Remembered in moments.
1940s
The first chapter
Roff establishes its reputation supplying colleges and leading hotels throughout the Cambridge area.
1960s
A home in Bury
The business moves to Northgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, under the ownership of William Roff.
1971
Roff Caterers Ltd
After Mr Roff’s passing, manager Derek Bullett and his wife Vicki take over and establish the limited company.
1979
The Silken Tassel
Part of the Northgate Street premises becomes a private function room—the first of its kind in the area.
1988
The next generation
Derek and Vicki’s daughter Christine and her husband William McColl take the helm of the family business.
2014
Ashlar House
After 25 years catering for Bury Freemasons, Roff is invited to become in-house caterer at their new Eastern Way home.
Today
The story continues
The same family spirit, experienced team and commitment to generous hospitality remain at the heart of Roff.
FROM THE ORIGINAL ROFF ARCHIVE
A history you can
see and feel
01- Menus
An early Roff menu
02-PLACES
The Corn Exchange
03-1979
The Silken Tassel
04-HOSPITALITY
Inside the Silken Tassel
05-1989s
A changing decade
06-1980s
Behind the occasion
07-FAMILY
William McColl
08-PEOPLE
The team at work
09-PEOPLE
Service through the years
10-PEOPLE
Generations of experience
11-1990s
The story continues
12-LANDMARKS
Sun Alliance hospitality
12-DISTINGUISHED GUESTS
A royal occasion
14-MAJOR EVENTS
Towerlands
15-IN PRINT
Roff in the press
16-CELEBRATIONS
Made for the moment
17-2000s
A new century
FROM COUNTY SHOWS TO
Royal Tables
ROFF CATERING HAS DONE IT ALL
The Ryder Cup
Work for major client Sun Alliance took Roff to events across the country—including the Ryder Cup while the insurer was a principal sponsor.
Agricultural shows
Large shows throughout Suffolk and Norfolk became an important part of the business and sharpened its large-scale expertise.
The Suffolk Show
For around four decades, Roff has helped serve one of the most prestigious occasions in the county calendar.
AND
The Royal Family
Among the many notable guests served over the years are members of the Royal Family—a proud chapter in the Roff story.