It has been one year since a comedy legend made his way to Jeremy Clarkson’s Cotswolds pub, The Farmer’s Dog, in Oxfordshire, a visit that quickly became the talk of the town. The former host of Top Gear and The Grand Tour, Jeremy Clarkson, purchased the Windmill pub in Asthall for around £1,000,000 in 2024 and renamed it to reflect his love for farming and his ever-growing collection of animals. The rebranding of the pub was inspired by his personal life, which revolves heavily around agriculture and his growing farm business.
The pub is situated on a location with an interesting history, once a known dogging hotspot, as per Mr. Clarkson himself. It was featured in the fourth season of his highly successful Prime Video show, Clarkson’s Farm, where viewers got a glimpse into his life as a farmer and pub owner. Since opening ahead of schedule in August 2024, The Farmer’s Dog has seen a variety of notable names walk through its doors, becoming somewhat of a hotspot for celebrity visits.
Among those who have paid a visit to The Farmer’s Dog is the famous US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and her actress wife, Portia de Rossi, who reside nearby. The couple were seen enjoying a lively conversation with British singer-songwriter James Blunt. The pub also had the pleasure of hosting Status Quo drummer John Coghlan, who was seen sipping drinks with his wife, a couple of times over the past year.
One particularly memorable visit occurred last May, when British comedy and social media star Big John, known for his viral online presence and love of Chinese food, stopped by with his friend Big John. The 52-year-old, whose real name is John Fisher, gained fame in recent years for his catchphrase “bosh” and his comical food reviews, which have earned him a dedicated fanbase on social media platforms. Big John took to Instagram to share his excitement about the visit, posting a few photos from his trip to The Farmer’s Dog. In his Instagram post, he humorously wrote, “Finally made it to The Farmers Dog pub. One night in Cotswolds, so stop off here first. Big fan of Hawkstone Lager, I won’t nick the glass though. Bosh.”
The pub continues to be a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with Clarkson often seen hosting guests, whether they are celebrities or simply farm enthusiasts. The unique atmosphere of the pub, paired with its ties to Clarkson’s popular TV show, has made it a must-visit for those exploring the Cotswolds. As for Clarkson, the pub serves as a tangible reminder of his life outside of television, where he has embraced rural living in a way that resonates with his fans.
As The Farmer’s Dog enters its second year, the pub’s future remains bright, especially with the upcoming release of Clarkson’s Farm season five. Premiering on Prime Video starting June 3, 2026, the new season promises more adventures from the farm and the continued exploration of Jeremy Clarkson’s journey as a farmer and business owner. Following the premiere, two more episodes will be released the following Friday, with another pair coming the week after that, much to the anticipation of the show’s ever-growing fanbase.
