26th January 2026
Plans have been submitted for a new COOK store to open in Thame, bringing the premium frozen food brand to the town’s Upper High Street.
According to reports from the Oxford Mail, the award-winning retailer has applied for permission to move into a Grade II listed building currently occupied by fashion brand Mint Velvet. No announcement has yet been made about when or whether the existing store will close.
Planning documents describe the proposed shop as a carefully designed retail space focused on customer service rather than high footfall. COOK says the store would stock a selected range of its frozen meals and desserts, supported by staff offering tailored advice to shoppers.
The company notes that the building has a long history of retail use and underwent a major refurbishment around 2018, leaving much of its internal layout and finishes still intact. The plans would adapt the interior to accommodate a series of low-level freezers used to display products.
In its application, COOK stresses that the store would not operate as a busy, high-traffic outlet. Instead, the brand expects to employ two to three staff members at any one time, prioritising one-to-one customer interaction.
Design proposals also highlight the need to preserve the character of the listed building, with changes intended to respect its architectural and historic features.
The application is now open for public consultation and will be reviewed by South Oxfordshire District Council.
