Fans of Clarkson’s Farm, the wildly popular Amazon Prime series starring Jeremy Clarkson, are once again flocking to the countryside in hopes of experiencing the real-life charm of Diddly Squat Farm and its iconic on-site pub, The Farmer’s Dog. But for many eager visitors, securing a table at the high-demand eatery is proving to be nearly impossible — and the queues? They’re just as infamous as Clarkson’s one-liners.
With the show’s growing popularity and the allure of Clarkson’s countryside venture, it’s no surprise that visitors are met with long lines and limited reservations. The Farmer’s Dog, nestled near the Diddly Squat Farm Shop in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, has become a must-see (and must-eat-at) destination — but only the lucky few manage to snag a seat indoors.
One fan recently took to Reddit’s r/ClarksonsFarm page, seeking advice from fellow fans after struggling for a month to make a reservation at the pub. “I’ve been trying for a month to get a reservation at The Farmer’s Dog,” the user wrote, explaining their detailed plan: an early train from London Paddington to Oxford, a rental car journey to the pub, and a hopeful wait in line — even if it meant eating under the tents just to get a taste of the much-hyped menu.
“We’ll stay the night, then try to get to the farm shop at 8:00 or 9:00 so we’re there before the lines, then head back to Oxford to drop off the car and take the GWR back to London. Is this feasible?” the user asked.
The community’s advice was clear and consistent: skip the wait, and instead head for the on-site outdoor dining area — especially the Grand Tour marquee and food wagon setup — where fans can enjoy the same great food without the crushing crowds.
“The Farmer’s Dog has the Grand Tour marquee on site with shops and a bar,” one local responded. “If you can’t get a table in the pub, you can grab drinks there and food from the food wagon. I’m local, and that’s what we do when we visit.”
According to regulars, the pub’s outdoor garden and casual seating area offer a more relaxed experience — and perhaps even better views — than the tightly packed indoor tables. “The garden is lovely and has great views, so I’d rather do that than spend hours queuing for the pub,” the same commenter added. “People visit from all over the world, so it’s nice to chat to others in the beer garden.”
Meanwhile, Jeremy Clarkson himself recently sounded off on the challenges he faces in keeping The Farmer’s Dog running smoothly. In a candid remark, the former Top Gear host criticized what he described as “corporate bullying,” referencing new requirements that could force changes to the pub’s kitchen equipment.
Specifically, he pointed to an issue with the pub’s Rational steam ovens, which require more water pressure than the building currently receives. “They want [a change] made to our Rational steam ovens, which, according to our plumber, would be impossible,” Clarkson stated. “This is exactly the sort of corporate bullying that pubs really don’t need right now.”
Despite the logistical and regulatory headaches, interest in visiting Diddly Squat Farm shows no sign of slowing down. For fans planning a trip, the best advice seems to be: arrive early, be flexible, and consider embracing the outdoor experience — especially if you want to enjoy your pint without spending half your day in a queue.
