In a triumphant toast to the rising stars of England’s burgeoning wine scene, Lyme Bay Winery is basking in the glow of national acclaim after its acclaimed 2022 Chardonnay secured a coveted spot on the drinks menu at Jeremy Clarkson’s iconic Cotswolds pub, The Farmer’s Dog. This milestone not only elevates the Devon-based winery’s profile but also underscores the growing appreciation for homegrown British wines, as they step out from the shadows of their Continental counterparts and into the spotlight of celebrity-endorsed establishments.
Nestled in the charming village of Asthall near Burford, Oxfordshire, The Farmer’s Dog has quickly become a beloved destination since its grand opening in the summer of 2024. Formerly known as The Windmill, the pub was acquired by Clarkson—the charismatic former Top Gear host and star of the hit Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm—for around £1 million. The renovations, documented with Clarkson’s signature blend of humor and frustration in his show, transformed the venue into a rustic haven that celebrates all things British. From its hearty menu featuring locally sourced meats, cheeses, and vegetables to its stunning panoramic views of the rolling Cotswolds countryside, the pub embodies Clarkson’s passionate advocacy for UK agriculture and produce. It’s no surprise that crowds of tourists and fans flock there weekly, eager to sip a pint of Hawkstone—Clarkson’s own beer brand—while immersing themselves in the authentic rural charm that has made Clarkson’s Farm a global phenomenon.
The inclusion of Lyme Bay’s Chardonnay on the menu represents a natural extension of the pub’s ethos, which prioritizes supporting local farmers and suppliers. Clarkson, a vocal champion of British farming through his series and public persona, has long emphasized the importance of showcasing homegrown talent. This move aligns perfectly with his mission, as Lyme Bay Winery hails from Axminster in Devon, a region increasingly recognized for its innovative contributions to the English wine industry. Founded in 1992, the winery has built a stellar reputation over three decades for producing high-quality still and sparkling wines that capture the unique terroir of England’s southern vineyards. Drawing grapes from premier sites like the Crouch Valley in Essex—one of the country’s most acclaimed viticultural areas, blessed with a mild climate and chalky soils reminiscent of Champagne’s—Lyme Bay crafts wines that rival international benchmarks.
The star of this collaboration is the Lyme Bay Chardonnay 2022, a wine that exemplifies the winery’s commitment to excellence. Described by experts as rich and expressive, it boasts vibrant flavors of ripe orchard fruits such as apple and pear, complemented by a creamy texture from partial oak aging and subtle hints of spice and vanilla. This elegant white wine, with its balanced acidity and lingering finish, pairs beautifully with the pub’s menu items, from fresh seafood to creamy cheeses and roasted poultry. Produced from carefully selected Chardonnay grapes harvested in the exceptional 2022 vintage—marked by favorable weather conditions that allowed for optimal ripeness—the wine has already garnered praise in tastings and competitions, further solidifying England’s place on the global wine map.
Wolf Sieg-Hogg, the managing director of Lyme Bay Winery, expressed his delight at the partnership, stating, “We’re thrilled to see our Chardonnay 2022 on the list at The Farmer’s Dog. Jeremy Clarkson has done a huge amount to champion British produce, and it’s fantastic to see English wine featured in such a well-loved and proudly local establishment.” This sentiment echoes the broader excitement within the winery’s team, who view the listing as a pivotal moment in their journey. For years, Lyme Bay has invested in sustainable practices, innovative winemaking techniques, and collaborations with top growers to highlight the potential of English terroir. Now, being poured at a venue as high-profile as The Farmer’s Dog—frequented by celebrities, locals, and international tourists alike—serves as a powerful endorsement of their efforts.
This development comes at a time when English wine is experiencing a renaissance, with production soaring and quality reaching new heights. Regions like Essex, Kent, and Sussex are producing world-class varietals, including Chardonnays that draw comparisons to Burgundy classics. The Farmer’s Dog’s embrace of Lyme Bay’s offering not only boosts the winery’s visibility but also contributes to the narrative of British self-sufficiency in food and drink—a theme central to Clarkson’s Farm. As Clarkson himself has previously hailed English wines as “just better” than some foreign rivals during a pub event, this addition to the menu reinforces his support for the industry.
For patrons of The Farmer’s Dog, the arrival of Lyme Bay Chardonnay 2022 adds another layer of appeal to an already enchanting experience. Whether enjoyed on the pub’s sun-drenched terrace or by the cozy fireside, the wine promises to enhance the sense of place and pride in British craftsmanship. As word spreads—fueled by social media buzz and positive reviews—the partnership is poised to draw even more visitors, cementing both the winery and the pub as beacons of excellence in the UK’s evolving culinary landscape.
