Clarkson's New Pub Draws Massive Crowds on Opening Day

Jeremy Clarkson's latest venture, "The Farmer's Dog" pub, opened its doors to an overwhelming response from fans on August 23, 2024. Located in the picturesque Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England, the establishment drew massive crowds, with some enthusiasts arriving as early as 6 AM to secure their spot in line.

The pub's concept revolves around serving exclusively British-sourced products, with only a few exceptions. This unique approach aligns with Clarkson's recent foray into farming, documented in his highly successful Amazon Prime series, "Clarkson's Farm."

The menu features traditional British fare, including:

• Sausage rolls and pickled eggs as snacks
• Chicken liver pâté and pressed ham for starters
• Sausage and mash, steak pie, and gammon steak as main courses
• Apple crumble and cheesecake for dessert

Drinks include English wines and ales from Hawkstone, Clarkson's own range produced in collaboration with Cotswold Brew Co.

The interior of the pub pays homage to traditional country inns, featuring a darts board, billiards table, and a vintage Massey Ferguson tractor suspended from the ceiling. Despite its location on a roundabout off the A40 near Burford, the establishment aims to provide a genuine pub experience while showcasing high-quality British produce.

Clarkson purchased the premises, formerly known as The Windmill, in 2023 for less than £1 million. This move into the pub industry comes at a time when the UK has seen a significant decline in the number of pubs, with an average of 29 closures per week.

"I decided last year that I'd like to buy a pub. So I called everyone I know who has one and they all said the same thing: the pub business is dying. They're closing at the rate of more than a thousand a year. You would have to be mad to buy one. Insane."

The success of "The Farmer's Dog" is closely tied to Clarkson's popularity, which has grown significantly since he began farming his 1,000-acre Diddly Squat Farm in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, around 2018-2019. The farm shop associated with this venture has become a major tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors weekly from around the world.

As "The Farmer's Dog" opens its doors, it stands as a testament to Clarkson's expanding influence and his ability to draw crowds. While the pub industry faces challenges, Clarkson's unique approach and dedicated fan base suggest that this new establishment may buck the trend and thrive in the competitive Cotswolds dining scene.