Jeremy Clarkson, the outspoken TV presenter turned farmer, has just released his latest book, Diddly Squat: The Farmer’s Dog, marking the fifth instalment in his beloved series chronicling life at Diddly Squat Farm in the Cotswolds.
The new book, published by Penguin Books, continues Clarkson’s wry, brutally honest, and often side-splitting reflections on the joys and disasters of rural life — this time focusing on his newest and boldest venture: becoming a pub landlord.
A Pub, a Dream, and Predictable Chaos
In The Farmer’s Dog, Clarkson brings readers inside his latest project — the transformation of a rundown countryside pub into a thriving community hub. According to Penguin Books, the story picks up after Clarkson’s farming and restaurant escapades, following his attempt to breathe life (and beer) into The Farmer’s Dog, a real pub he purchased near Burford, Oxfordshire.
“Clarkson’s Farm is the gift that keeps on giving,” the publisher teased. “And now our hero has decided to bring his misunderstood entrepreneurial flair to bear on a new venture: a pub. Let the doors open on The Farmer’s Dog.”
From installing a vintage tractor on the ceiling to insisting on Hawkstone beer on tap and stocking only British produce, Clarkson’s new pub embodies his unique mix of patriotism, stubbornness, and self-deprecating humor. But as readers will discover, running a pub turns out to be even more chaotic — and costly — than running a 1,000-acre farm.
“All British produce, Hawkstone beer on tap, a private bar for farmers, and a vintage tractor hanging from the ceiling,” Penguin’s description continues. “The perfect country pub. But as the Cotswolds’ newest publican quickly discovers, there’s a lot more to landlording than pulling pints. Just as well, then, that he still has Lisa, Kaleb, Cheerful Charlie, and Gerald to help him through.”
Clarkson’s Own Words: “It’s More Stressful Than Farming”
Speaking about his experience, Clarkson admitted that he underestimated the challenges of running a pub.
“It’s very stressful running a pub,” he said. “It’s more stressful than running a farm. On the farm, you’re on your own — which is why there’s so much unhappiness in farming, because you’re dealing with everything alone. The benefit is you don’t have to worry about other people. With a pub, you’ve probably got 80 people working there, so it requires much more attention.”
Before opening The Farmer’s Dog, Clarkson revealed he sought advice from fellow landowners who had ventured into the pub trade — but none encouraged him to go through with it.
“I called people who’ve got pubs, like myself, who don’t come from a pub background,” he said. “They all said, ‘Don’t do it. Don’t do it. It’s too stressful and there’s absolutely no money in it. In fact, you lose money.’ I ignored all of them — and they were absolutely right!”
Despite the headaches, Clarkson says the idea behind the pub was simple but heartfelt — to create a gathering place for local farmers.
“I wanted a place where farmers could forget their troubles and socialise with their neighbours,” he explained. “Somewhere to relax, have a pint, and talk about the things only other farmers really understand.”
A Book That Mirrors the Series
The release of Diddly Squat: The Farmer’s Dog comes just months after the acclaimed fourth season of Clarkson’s Farm aired on Prime Video. The new season mirrors the book’s storyline, following Jeremy’s attempt to purchase and run a local pub while continuing to expand his farm operations.
Season four shows Clarkson taking on his most ambitious project yet — reigniting his dream of “farm-to-fork” dining after his original restaurant plans faced opposition. Alongside Lisa Hogan, Kaleb Cooper, Cheerful Charlie, and Gerald Cooper, he battles red tape, supply issues, and the usual dose of rural absurdity that has made the series such a hit with viewers.
From new machinery and livestock to the chaotic opening of the pub, life at Diddly Squat has never been busier — or funnier.
The Farmer, the Landlord, the Storyteller
For fans of both Clarkson’s Farm and his previous books, The Farmer’s Dog offers the perfect blend of humor, honesty, and heartfelt storytelling. Clarkson’s trademark wit is in full force, but so is his growing affection for rural life and his recognition of the community that surrounds it.
As one early reviewer described, “It’s not just a book about farming or pubs. It’s about finding meaning in mistakes, laughter in chaos, and purpose in persistence.”
From farming failures to beer-pulling blunders, Jeremy Clarkson once again proves that no matter how many times life (or the local council) knocks him down, he’ll always get back up — usually holding a pint.
