Clarkson Adds Huge 100,000 Sq Ft Structure to Cotswolds Pub Amid Ongoing Parking Clash
Jeremy Clarkson, the outspoken TV personality and farmer, has once again stirred up the serene Cotswolds landscape with a bold engineering feat at his popular pub, The Farmer’s Dog. In a move blending modern necessity with historical preservation, Clarkson has installed a sprawling 100,000-square-foot reinforced metal surface over an overflow car park—equivalent to the size of two football pitches—to protect newly discovered archaeological remains beneath the ground.
The pub, nestled in the picturesque village of Asthall, reopened last year following extensive renovations after Clarkson purchased the former Windmill Inn for approximately £1 million. Since then, it has become a magnet for tourists, fans of his hit series Clarkson’s Farm, and locals eager for a pint of his Hawkstone lager amid stunning rural vistas. However, the surge in visitors—hundreds flocking weekly—has overwhelmed the on-site parking, prompting Clarkson to lease an adjacent field from local landowners Edward and Patricia Walker as an impromptu overflow area.
What began as a straightforward solution escalated when the field’s proximity to Alboro, a historic burial ground dating back an estimated 1,400 years, came under scrutiny. Clarkson’s application for retrospective planning permission to formalize the car park triggered a mandatory geophysical and archaeological survey by West Oxfordshire District Council. To the surprise of experts, the investigation uncovered remains potentially linked to the ancient barrow, halting unrestricted use of the land.
To comply with preservation requirements while keeping the pub accessible, Clarkson opted for the massive metal covering. This innovative structure elevates vehicles above the sensitive soil, safeguarding the subterranean history without halting operations. “It’s a massive investment, but necessary to keep the customers coming,” sources close to Clarkson noted, emphasizing his commitment to balancing business growth with heritage respect.
The development hasn’t been without its signature Clarkson drama. Known for his frequent tussles with local authorities—ranging from farm expansions to council disputes—the former Top Gear host is still awaiting final approval from the West Oxfordshire District Council for both staff and additional customer parking arrangements. Fans and critics alike are monitoring the situation, recalling past clashes that have fueled headlines and episodes of his farming show.
For now, visitors can park atop one of Britain’s most unconventional car parks, enjoying their Hawkstone brews and countryside charm. As one local quipped, “Only Clarkson could turn a parking problem into an archaeological adventure.” Whether this latest venture solidifies his status as a Cotswolds icon or sparks fresh controversies remains to be seen, but it’s clear the Farmer’s Dog is no ordinary pub.