A couple shared the mortifying mistake they made while ordering drinks at Jeremy Clarkson’s famous country pub The Farmer’s Dog. The Costwolds venue, which Jeremy renovated on Prime Video series Clarkson’s Farm, is located in Burford, Oxfordshire – just a few miles down the road from his Diddly Squat Farm.
But the restaurant has a strict policy of only offering locally grown and sourced food, drink and condiments, which often throws a spanner in the works for those wanting to order their usual. One couple, who filmed a video for TikTok of their visit, found out the hard way.
They captured their humiliation after ordering a Diet Coke at the pub, and could be seen covering their faces with their hands and shaking their heads in the clip. They added the caption: “When you panic and order a Diet Coke at Clarkson’s Farm and then instantly remember the whole point is to promote local producers.”
Comments soon streamed in, with one explaining: “Had this issue! Had to have water as I didn’t drink anything else there.”
Another echoed: “This happened with me as I don’t drink alcohol but all they had was some elderflower sparkling thing.”
The pub’s menu prioritises 100% British sourcing for everything – meaning it doesn’t even sell lemonade.
Jeremy stated of the policy: “I have tried my absolute hardest to make sure that every single thing you consume in The Farmer’s Dog was grown or reared by British farmers. And I have failed.
“Yes, the pork, the beef, the lamb and the venison are all British. And so is pretty much everything else. The milk, the butter, the eggs, the vegetables and the fruit. We even cook in British oils.
“But there have been some problems like, for instance, the simple G&T. You can’t have a pub that doesn’t offer a gin and tonic. But there is quinine in tonic water, and you can’t grow that in Britain.”
“Sure, I could have served gin and water instead, but I didn’t think you’d enjoy it very much. Especially as, instead of a slice of lemon, you’d have been given a slice of turnip, or some potato peelings.
“You can, however, run a pub that doesn’t serve avocado or Coca-Cola, so we don’t. Instead, we offer you British fizzy drinks made with British-grown fruit. And British-grown tea. And before you ask, yes, the wine is British too. As is the Hawkstone, obviously.”
He concluded: “So, that’s it really. We’re delighted to be doing all we possibly can to support British farming and we’re delighted that you’re here to help us. Thank you.”
