Jeremy Clarkson has revealed a surprising little-known rule at his famous Diddly Squat Farm Shop in Oxfordshire — one that even some of his most devoted fans didn’t know existed.
The 65-year-old television presenter and farmer, best known for his work on Top Gear and the hit Prime Video series Clarkson’s Farm, has owned Diddly Squat Farm in the quiet Cotswolds village of Chadlington since 2008. Over the years, the once-ordinary plot of land has become one of Britain’s most talked-about farming operations — not only for its agricultural challenges but also for the endless stream of tourists who travel from all over the UK to visit his now-iconic farm shop.
Jeremy opened the Diddly Squat Farm Shop in 2020 alongside his partner Lisa Hogan, selling everything from locally produced meat, milk, and honey to the famously cheeky “Cow Juice” milk and “Bee Juice” honey. Since then, the shop has become a runaway success, attracting thousands of fans every week and creating scenes more often associated with music festivals than rural Oxfordshire — long queues, packed car parks, and a constant buzz of excitement around the man himself.
In 2024, Clarkson expanded the brand even further. A pop-up version of the farm shop opened on the grounds of the couple’s pub, The Farmer’s Dog, in nearby Asthall. The pub’s launch in August became a major media event, drawing fans, reporters, and even celebrities eager to see Clarkson’s latest venture. The expansion has turned the Diddly Squat name into a growing mini-empire, combining farming, hospitality, and tourism under one rustic yet humorous brand.
However, this week Clarkson took to social media to clarify a rule that many fans were unaware of — a rule that sparked a surprising amount of debate online.
It began when a visitor to Diddly Squat Farm Shop shared a photo on X (formerly Twitter) of themselves waiting in the queue with their dog. “Tired little doggy waiting in the queue for the farm shop,” the fan wrote, alongside a picture of their pet looking worn out but adorable as they waited their turn to enter.
Clarkson, ever the quick responder, replied with a simple “Aww,” clearly charmed by the photo. But the online conversation didn’t end there. Another user jumped in, replying to the post to claim: “Dogs aren’t allowed in Diddly Squat Farm Shop.”
That prompted Jeremy to set the record straight once and for all. In a short but definitive response, he confirmed the rule and offered an explanation — “Government rules,” he said.
The remark immediately caught the attention of fans, many of whom were unaware that dogs are not permitted inside the shop. Some expressed disappointment, while others pointed out that it’s a common restriction for food-handling establishments in the UK, where strict hygiene and safety regulations apply. Still, the comment quickly went viral, as fans shared their own experiences queuing outside the now-legendary farm shop — some with their dogs in tow — and others debating whether the rule should be relaxed.
While Clarkson didn’t elaborate further, those familiar with the farm’s setup say it’s likely due to health and safety laws surrounding food sales, which prevent animals from entering areas where fresh produce, dairy, and meat products are sold. Nevertheless, the clarification came as a surprise to some of his more casual visitors, especially as dogs are often seen outside the shop or wandering through the surrounding farmland.
Meanwhile, fans of Clarkson’s Farm have even more to look forward to. Filming for Season 5 of the Prime Video series officially wrapped in October 2025, marking the end of another long and unpredictable farming year for Jeremy, Lisa, and their crew — including fan favourites like Kaleb Cooper, Charlie Ireland, and Gerald Cooper. The show is now in post-production, and while an official release date has not been confirmed, insiders suggest it will likely follow the same pattern as previous instalments, premiering in spring 2026.
If past seasons are anything to go by, viewers can expect a mix of humour, frustration, and heartfelt storytelling — all against the backdrop of rural life in the Cotswolds. And judging by Clarkson’s recent online interactions, it’s clear that both his fans and his farm are as lively as ever.
From new business ventures to unexpected government rules, Diddly Squat Farm continues to be one of the UK’s most fascinating — and occasionally chaotic — countryside attractions.
