That doesn't look like any Bay tree I've seen and the multiple red stems indicate it is something else. I certainly would not cook with it!

It could be bay, actually, just a bush and not a standard tree. Trouble is, the picture you've provided is of poor resolution, and its not possible to see it clearly to be 100% sure.

Clear image of a bay bush here http://www.suttons.co.uk/Gardening/Fruit/Fruit+Trees/Other+Fruit+Trees/Bay+Tree_207144.htm

hi ,thanks for your comments. I'll try and take a better picture when the sun gets to it. D

There were bushes at or local nursery that looked like this and were labelled 'bay' trees and they looked nothing like our bay tree :) but could be wrong :)

Many so called bay trees are in fact a bunch of cuttings planted together to make it look like a bush. By now the roots would be intertwined so you couldn't separate them easily, although you could give it a go and try and pot them on individually.

hi again, i've added (hopefully added) two new photos. in the sunlight you can see it's true colours and to be honest, it's these that are putting me off. ...

Have a look at the link given by Bamboo. I think Jimmythe one is correct in thinking this is a pot of rooted cuttings. If you feel brave enough you could try plaiting the stems to make a half standard ,strip the leaves off first leaving a 'head'. It will look good if you want to keep it as a pot plant. Ask at the GC where you bought it if it is Laurus nobilis (bay used in cooking)Check this link to see if the photo there is the same as your plant https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=251

Thanks for all the advice. I will do as suggested and when i repot i'll see what's there. - May invest in something a bit more tasty looking for the kitchen though lol. D

Don't worry about what the plant looks like if you want to use the leaves for cooking, once you have a proper identification. I had a standard bay tree (ie like a lollipop) but the top got damaged. I cut it off and now have a low bush which has been OK for many years.