Cook & Co

Cook & Co is a premier destination for gourmet ingredients and specialty foods, located at 25 Jardine Street in the leafy Old Kingston neighborhood of the Australian Capital Territory. Formerly known as The Essential Ingredient, this beloved institution has been serving Canberra and the surrounding region since 2003. Owned by long-time locals Claire and Kate, the store underwent a fresh rebrand in 2024 while retaining the same knowledgeable, friendly team and a passion for culinary excellence that has earned it a stellar reputation among home cooks, food enthusiasts, and professional chefs alike.

Stepping into Cook & Co reveals a thoughtfully curated collection that spans gourmet pantry staples, artisanal condiments, a dedicated cheese room, specialty cookware, and an inspiring selection of cookbooks. The business also operates a wholesale arm, supplying Canberra's best restaurants and prominent institutions with quality ingredients — a testament to the trust the local food community places in their sourcing and expertise.

Cook & Co's Product Range & Specialties

The store's product range is exceptionally diverse, catering to every aspect of home cooking and entertaining. Key offerings include:

• Cheese Room: Canberra's only dedicated cheese room, featuring specialty cheeses from both Australia and around the world.
• Gourmet Pantry: An extensive selection of oils, vinegars, salts, spices, sauces, condiments, grains, pasta, flour, and baking ingredients.
• Artisanal Sauces: A featured collection of boutique sauces — including Belberry fruit sauces, Korean BBQ sauce, Goan chutneys, and rich reductions like Red Wine Jus, Green Peppercorn & Brandy, and Vanilla Salted Caramel.
• Cookware & Kitchen Tools: Bakeware, bread-making equipment, cake pans, measuring utensils, chopping boards, and drinkware.
• Cookbooks & Culinary Literature: A carefully chosen collection of cookbooks for inspiration and technique.
• Freshly Roasted Coffee: A selection of quality coffee beans.
• Locally Sourced Products: A commitment to stocking the best local Canberra region products alongside unique international foods.

Customer Reviews & Reputation

Cook & Co holds a strong 4.7-star rating on Google Maps, based on 68 reviews. Google Maps reviewers frequently highlight the helpfulness of the staff and the extensive range of products available. One local guide described it as "a great shop in Kingston" and praised the "huge selection of products — everything for the kitchen." Another customer, Julie Rattenbury, shared a personal experience of receiving beautifully wrapped gift packaging from a staff member named Pam, noting the thoughtful service. A recurring theme in reviews is the addictive quality of the store: Jennifer Kellett wrote that it is "incredibly hard to leave without buying things you really want and can't resist," capturing the treasure-hunt atmosphere that regulars love. The owner actively engages with reviews, responding with thanks, which reflects the personal, community-focused approach of the business.

The Cook & Co Experience in Old Kingston

Nestled in the leafy suburb of Old Kingston at 25 Jardine Street, Cook & Co describes itself as "run by locals for locals." The store offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where staff are known to provide cheese recommendations, cooking advice, or simply a friendly chat. The physical location is a must-visit for food lovers, with the website emphasizing that the shop is designed for browsing and discovery. For those who cannot visit in person, the business operates a comprehensive e-commerce website where customers can browse collections and purchase featured products online.

Operating Hours & Contact Information

Cook & Co operates on a schedule designed to serve both weekday shoppers and weekend browsers. Regular hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The store is closed on Mondays and public holidays. Customers can reach Cook & Co by phone at 02 6295 7148, or by email at shop@cookco.au. For updates on new products and exclusive offers, shoppers can subscribe to their mailing list through the website or follow their social media profiles on Facebook and Instagram at @cookandcocbr.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cook & Co's connection to The Essential Ingredient?

Cook & Co was previously known as The Essential Ingredient. In 2024, long-time owners Claire and Kate rebranded the store with a fresh new look while keeping the same team, product quality, and dedication to serving Canberra.

Does Cook & Co offer a wholesale service?

Yes. Cook & Co provides a wholesale service to some of Canberra's best restaurants and prominent institutions, supplying quality ingredients to the local hospitality industry.

What makes Cook & Co's cheese selection special?

Cook & Co is home to Canberra's only dedicated cheese room, featuring a carefully curated range of specialty cheeses sourced from both Australian producers and around the world.

Can I buy products from Cook & Co online?

Yes, Cook & Co has an online store at cookco.au where customers can shop for featured products, pantry items, sauces, and gift vouchers. The full in-store experience is best enjoyed at the Kingston shop, however.

Where is Cook & Co located and what are the opening hours?

Cook & Co is at 25 Jardine Street, Kingston ACT 2604. Hours are Tue–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10am–4pm, Sun 11am–3pm. The shop is closed on Mondays and public holidays, such as ANZAC Day.

Does Cook & Co stock locally made products?

Yes. The store is committed to stocking the best locally-sourced products from the Canberra region, alongside unique international foods. Specific local producers are not listed on the website, so contacting the store directly for current local offerings is recommended.

Does Cook & Co offer gift wrapping?

Yes, based on customer reviews, the staff — including a team member named Pam — are happy to provide gift wrapping. One reviewer specifically mentioned receiving a purchase wrapped in tissue paper as a gift.

Whether you're a home cook seeking a special cheese, a chef sourcing restaurant-quality ingredients, or a gift-buyer looking for a unique culinary present, Cook & Co offers a personal and inspiring retail experience in the heart of Old Kingston. Discover their product range online at cookco.au or visit in person to explore one of Canberra's most beloved gourmet destinations. When comparing specialty food stores in the ACT, we invite you to consider all the details on Ilistify to make the best choice for your kitchen.