Jeremy Clarkson gave a warning to a charity boss not to open a pub by giving her “a list of all the things that could go and would go wrong”, she told parliament.
Mr Clarkson, known for Top Gear and The Grand Tour, opened a pub called The Farmer’s Dog in Asthall in 2024.
The turbulent opening was documented for the Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm series four.
Speaking in the House of Lords, Tory peer Baroness Monckton of Dallington Forest said she is preparing to open a pub in Brighton with her charity Team Domenica.
The charity, named after her daughter, is dedicated to supporting young adults with learning disabilities find employment.
Lady Monckton said when she asked for his advice on opening her own pub, Mr Clarkson warned her it is “relentless”, but also said it will “especially make sense for you, because you are doing it for a very good reason”.
Lady Monckton told peers: “In a few weeks’ time, my charity is opening a pub in Brighton.
“This has required major investment for the acquisition, refurbishment and training facilities, funded by a combination of donations and a significant mortgage.
“It will give enhanced training opportunities for our candidates, in addition to our existing cafes and coffee roastery.
“When I asked Jeremy Clarkson for advice, his reply was succinct: don’t do it. And this was followed by a list of all the things that could and would go wrong.”
She went on to read an extract from his email, which said: “When you step into a pub that you are running, you immediately notice the broken light bulb and the wonky loo roll dispenser and the cockeyed picture.
“As there’s no money in hospitality these days, you can’t afford to get someone in to put everything right. You must do it yourself.
“Then, while you were doing it, a food allergy enthusiast will claim they saw a potato, which has made them go blind.
“Then the guy who you employ to clean the lavatories after the pub shuts will phone in sick and so you have to do it yourself. It is relentless.
“But there will come a time when everyone sits down after work and has a drink and sausage roll and all of a sudden it’ll make sense, and it’ll especially make sense for you, because you are doing it for a very good reason.”
The Farmer’s Dog has proved a hit with the punters as large numbers of tourists have come week-on-week to enjoy a pint of Hawkstone with the stunning surrounding views.
