Jeremy Clarkson brilliantly fires back as he responds after facing pub boycott threats over ‘right-leaning’ political bans
Jeremy Clarkson, the famous former Top Gear and Grand Tour host, has taken the unusual step of banning over 400 individuals from his newly purchased pub, The Farmer’s Dog, located in the picturesque Cotswolds village of Asthall in West Oxfordshire.
Clarkson, who acquired the property for an eye-watering £1,000,000 in 2023, embarked on an extensive renovation process before finally opening the doors to the public in August 2024. The pub, renamed The Farmer’s Dog, has quickly become a favorite spot for both locals and fans of Clarkson’s various shows, attracting considerable attention and a steady stream of visitors from all over.
Featured prominently in the latest season of Clarkson’s Farm, which aired between May and June 2024, The Farmer’s Dog has served as a central location in the Amazon Prime series, which follows Clarkson’s journey as he runs a farm in the Cotswolds. With its scenic location and cozy atmosphere, the pub has garnered significant praise and established itself as a popular local hotspot.
However, despite the success and popularity of his new venture, Clarkson has found himself at the center of controversy for his strict approach to customer conduct. As of now, a staggering 406 people have been banned from The Farmer’s Dog for various reasons. One of the most notable groups on his ban list is the 404 Labour MPs, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Clarkson made headlines when he declared that he had personally banned all members of the Labour Party from his establishment, citing political differences and a desire to make a statement. However, one notable exception is Markus Campbell-Savours, the Penrith and Solway MP, who has been welcomed back after breaking ranks with the party to oppose controversial inheritance tax changes that would have negatively affected family farms.
Clarkson’s actions have sparked mixed reactions, with some praising his boldness and others criticizing his exclusionary tactics. Despite this, the 65-year-old has stood by his decisions, explaining that his pub is a place where he can express his personal views, and he does not hesitate to take a stand when it comes to those he disagrees with politically.
In addition to banning politicians, Clarkson has also extended the exclusion to two of his long-time co-stars from Top Gear and The Grand Tour, James May and Richard Hammond. The two have become unlikely additions to Clarkson’s growing list of pub bans, though their exclusions are less about politics and more about their reluctance to join Clarkson in the pub business. May, who co-owns a pub called The Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe, Wiltshire, and Hammond, who has openly expressed disinterest in investing in any new ventures, particularly ones that could be financially draining, have both declined to participate in Clarkson’s new project. Hammond, in particular, joked that he had more than enough “money-losing operations” on his plate already, making it clear he was not eager to dive into the pub trade.
Despite the controversies surrounding his pub, Clarkson has remained unapologetic about his stance and continues to enjoy the success of The Farmer’s Dog. With a loyal following of fans and a steady stream of business, the pub remains a key feature in Clarkson’s ongoing story, as he continues to carve out his place in the world of farming and hospitality. Whether his bold decisions will have long-term repercussions or continue to fuel his notoriety remains to be seen, but for now, The Farmer’s Dog remains a focal point for his eclectic mix of passions and pursuits.