Jeremy Clarkson has introduced a fresh round of upgrades to his Cotswolds pub, reinforcing his commitment to transforming the countryside venue into a year-round destination for visitors.
The former Top Gear and The Grand Tour presenter bought The Windmill in Asthall, Oxfordshire, for approximately £1 million in 2022. After months of refurbishment, the historic building reopened in August 2024 under a new name — The Farmer’s Dog. Since then, the pub has steadily built a reputation as a must-visit location for fans of Clarkson’s Farm and those curious to see how the television personality has extended his agricultural ambitions into the hospitality trade.
Situated near Burford, the venue has attracted significant footfall over the past year, particularly after featuring prominently in the fourth series of Clarkson’s Farm on Prime Video. The show documented not only developments at Diddly Squat Farm but also Clarkson’s efforts to navigate the regulatory, logistical and operational challenges of running a rural pub.
In recent months, further structural and practical changes have been introduced. Most notably, a secondary bar has been installed on the outdoor terrace. The addition allows customers to order drinks directly from the exterior space, avoiding the need to walk back through the main restaurant or circle around the building during busy periods. The move appears designed to streamline service during peak hours, particularly in warmer weather when outdoor seating is in high demand.
To ensure the terrace remains functional throughout the year, a substantial overhead covering has been added. Temporary window panels have also been fitted, effectively enclosing the space and shielding guests from wind and rain during colder months. The adaptation transforms what would traditionally be a seasonal outdoor area into a semi-permanent extension of the pub’s interior.
Comfort has been another focus of the upgrades. Heaters have been installed, and several sofas previously located inside the pub have been relocated to the terrace area. The result is a hybrid environment — technically outdoors, yet designed to replicate the warmth and atmosphere of an indoor lounge. The changes suggest a clear attempt to maximise seating capacity while maintaining the rustic aesthetic that aligns with Clarkson’s broader brand.
The Farmer’s Dog continues to evolve as it approaches its second anniversary this summer. Since opening, the pub has undergone a series of incremental adjustments, reflecting both customer demand and Clarkson’s often candid learning curve as a first-time publican. Viewers of Clarkson’s Farm will recall the early hurdles he faced, from staffing and supplier negotiations to the complexities of licensing and local planning regulations.
Attention now turns to the upcoming fifth series of Clarkson’s Farm, expected later this year on Prime Video. If previous seasons are any indication, the new instalment will likely consist of eight episodes and continue to document developments at Diddly Squat Farm alongside Clarkson’s parallel ventures. Given the pub’s growing prominence in the narrative, further operational challenges — and potential refinements — may well feature on screen.
For now, the latest alterations at The Farmer’s Dog underline Clarkson’s determination to adapt. What began as a countryside watering hole has become a carefully managed extension of his agricultural enterprise — and a central pillar of his expanding rural portfolio.
