It’s just after 11 a.m. at The Farmer’s Dog, Jeremy Clarkson’s now-famous pub nestled in the rolling Cotswolds countryside. The doors have barely opened, yet the car park is already overflowing — a testament to the former Top Gear host’s remarkable success as both a publican and a farmer.
Despite the crowds, the setting remains serene. Visitors stroll beneath a canopy of century-old trees offering much-needed shade on a warm day. At night, locals say, strings of lights hung between the branches transform the space into something magical.
A Pub with a Waiting List
Getting a table inside Clarkson’s restaurant is no small feat — bookings are reportedly needed a month in advance. For those without reservations, food trucks outside serve up hearty British fare to hundreds of hungry visitors daily. Staff estimate around 1,000 meals a day are sold, with simple bacon and sausage rolls proving the most popular items.
The bacon roll — two slices of thick-cut British bacon in a buttered bun — costs just over $9 USD, while the sausage version, slightly pricier at around $10.50, comes highly recommended. “Bloody good sausages,” one visitor remarked.
But there’s one notable omission: ketchup. Clarkson insists on serving only 100% British-made products, and since no fully homegrown ketchup exists, the condiment is banned.
Beer, Chips, and British Pride
For drinks, Clarkson’s own Hawkstone beer and cider dominate the taps. Twelve bottles of Hawkstone Cider will set you back $41, while the signature Hawkstone Lager costs around $39 per dozen. One visitor, taste-testing the range, described the lager as “a nice light taste — perfect for a sunny day,” while the darker ale had “a frothy head and a touch of coffee flavor.”
Clarkson’s brand has grown beyond beer — his hand-cooked chips come in three flavors, with cheese and onion proving a fan favorite. Every packet carries the Diddly Squat Farm name — the same label seen on produce at his nearby farm shop.
A British Business Success Story
Since purchasing the pub — formerly The Windmill — for around £1 million, Clarkson has transformed it into a thriving attraction employing 146 people. Locals and tourists alike flock from across Britain and even Ireland to experience what’s become something of a rural pilgrimage site for fans of Clarkson’s Farm.
“It’s not a selfish venture,” one observer noted. “He’s doing something remarkable for local farmers.”
Indeed, the pub’s menu and shop proudly feature produce from nearby suppliers, giving regional farmers a much-needed boost.
The Famous ‘Banned List’
No Clarkson enterprise would be complete without controversy. A sign once hung in the pub listing those “banned” by the outspoken owner — a tongue-in-cheek gesture that has since gone missing, possibly “nicked” by an overzealous fan.
Those who’ve reportedly found themselves on the list include Richard Hammond, James May, and even Labour leader Keir Starmer. Reasons for banning range from complaining about prices to disliking smoking in pubs. One unlucky customer was allegedly barred for calling Clarkson’s £24 steak pie “a bit much.”
The Pub Itself
Inside, the restaurant serves up to 850 meals daily, spread across two levels. There’s no air-conditioning — visitors are advised to wear short sleeves in summer — but come winter, the log fires and rustic interiors make for an inviting retreat.
Hanging from the rafters are farm tools and even a tractor, while boards display the names of local producers who supply the pub’s lamb, pork, and potatoes. It’s a proud nod to Clarkson’s ongoing mission: championing British agriculture.
Celebrity Links and Local Legends
It’s no secret that Clarkson’s celebrity status continues to draw attention. Staff confirm that the man himself “often drops by,” though he wasn’t seen on this particular visit. His connections to motorsport are also evident — both Red Bull and Alpine F1 teams have hosted private dinners here.
The pub has also become a hub for fans of Top Gear and The Grand Tour, who now find themselves joining new admirers from Clarkson’s Farm.
A Place with Heart
Beyond the humor and hype, there’s a genuine sense of purpose here. Clarkson’s pub has injected jobs, tourism, and pride into this small corner of Oxfordshire. And though critics sometimes grumble about the prices, the overwhelming sentiment from visitors is admiration.
“This isn’t just a business,” one patron said. “It’s a celebration of what makes Britain… well, Britain.”
As the midday sun glowed over the Cotswold hills, the pub’s garden filled with families, locals, and a few dozen dogs — all soaking in the atmosphere that Clarkson has somehow managed to bottle: a mix of charm, eccentricity, and good, honest fun.
Verdict: Expensive? Perhaps. Overrated? Not a chance. The Farmer’s Dog is every bit as entertaining, unpredictable, and proudly British as its owner.
