A new COOK shop is set to open on Putney’s Dover House Road parade this winter, adding to the frozen ready meals brand’s existing presence in the area which includes a shop in nearby Southfields.
The shop at 383 Upper Richmond Road – formerly Moss Pharmacy – is currently undergoing a complete refurbishment with an anticipated opening in December. Major internal works including a new staircase, complete utilities upgrade, and structural alterations throughout the property.
The new location will join Cook’s Southfields shop at 29 Replingham Road, as well as stores in Barnes (50 Barnes High Street) and East Sheen (395 Upper Richmond Road West), giving the company four locations serving the Putney and southwest London area.
More than just frozen meals
While Cook is best known for its frozen ready meals, the shops typically stock a small range of specialised ambient products supplied by Cotswold Fayre, including preserves, condiments, and other artisan food items. The company also offers gift cards and meal boxes designed as presents.
The staircase installation suggests the Dover House Road shop will use upper floor space, though it’s not yet clear whether this will be for staff facilities, storage, or potentially a customer-facing use such as a tasting or events space. The significant investment in building infrastructure indicates Cook views this as more than a standard shop fitout.
Homemade meals, frozen fresh
Cook, founded in 1997 by Edward Perry and Dale Penfold, has built its reputation on making frozen ready meals “the way you would at home.” All dishes are prepared by hand in the company’s kitchens in Kent and Somerset, using traditional cooking techniques rather than industrial processes.
The range includes popular dishes like fish pie, chicken and ham pie, beef bourguignon, various curries, and lasagnes, available in portions for one, two, or family servings. The company also offers party food, canapés, and puddings, with meals designed to cook straight from frozen in minutes.
It is a certified B Corporation, part of a global movement of businesses balancing profit with social and environmental responsibility. The company is accredited by the Living Wage Foundation and has been voted one of the UK’s best food and drink companies to work for. It also won recognition as Responsible Retailer of the Year at the Retail Week Awards.
Customers can shop in-store, order online for home delivery (minimum £45 order), or use click-and-collect services. The company offers a 10% discount for new parents and a 30% community discount for charities and community groups ordering meals for 20 or more people.
Filling a convenience gap
The Dover House Road location sits among other independent retailers including ‘The Putney’ bakery, a Polish Delicatessen and Snoggy’s South African produce shop, offering residents a convenient option for quality frozen meals.
Construction work visible through the windows shows the property has been stripped back to its structure, indicating Cook’s commitment to creating a purpose-built retail space rather than a quick shop conversion. The investment in substantial building works, including scaffolding for upper-floor renovations, suggests the company views the location as a long-term addition to its expanding network of around 90 shops nationwide.
The shop’s “coming soon” window displays feature Cook’s signature branding and the message “Be remarkable. Join our team,” indicating the retailer will be hiring local staff as the opening approaches.
We contacted Cook and ask them about their plans and will update this story if they respond.
