Jeremy Clarkson’s New Pub Draws Massive Crowds on Opening Day

Jeremy Clarkson’s latest venture, The Farmer’s Dog pub in Asthall, near Burford in Oxfordshire, attracted huge crowds on its opening day, with hundreds of eager patrons lining up for hours. The pub officially opened its doors to the public at 12:00 BST.

Earlier this year, Clarkson, the former Top Gear host, disclosed that he had purchased the pub, previously known as The Windmill, for “less than £1m.” The decision to buy a pub instead of building a restaurant on his farm stemmed from logistical challenges and the availability of pubs for sale. Clarkson shared his motivations, noting that he and his team wanted a dining option but found it more practical to acquire an existing pub.

Describing the preparation for the pub’s opening as “terribly stressful,” Clarkson reflected on the unexpected challenges of running a pub. He recounted a mishap during the pub’s soft opening, where a lavatory door was damaged, illustrating the unforeseen issues that can arise in the hospitality business. Despite these setbacks, Clarkson remained optimistic about the pub’s prospects.

At the head of the queue were Lauren Hanly and Blake Jones, who traveled from Gloucester to experience the new venue. Hanly remarked on the anticipation surrounding the pub, attributing it to Clarkson’s fame. She expressed surprise at being at the front of the line, noting that they arrived just before 08:00 and expected the queue to be longer.

Clarkson expressed satisfaction with the location of The Farmer’s Dog, highlighting the ample parking and minimal disruption to the surrounding area. He noted that the location had been carefully chosen after reviewing 40 potential pubs, emphasizing the importance of parking and accessibility.

In discussing his former television project, The Grand Tour, Clarkson speculated whether his co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May might visit the pub. He anticipated that Hammond would likely drop by, though he was uncertain about May’s plans. Despite his continued connection with his former co-hosts, Clarkson revealed that he had not yet formulated a detailed business plan for the pub.

Clarkson raised concerns about the financial viability of his new venture, particularly regarding the cost of locally sourced ingredients versus imported ones. He cited the example of his farm’s pigs, noting the significant price difference between home-reared and imported pork, and questioned the efficiency of the food supply chain in the UK.

The pub will feature local produce from Clarkson’s nearby farm, including Hawkstone beers and ciders. However, the new establishment has faced some resistance from locals in West Oxfordshire, who have raised concerns about potential traffic issues due to its proximity to the busy A40 road. In response, Oxfordshire County Council has worked closely with Clarkson’s team to address these concerns. Measures have been implemented to mitigate traffic and parking problems and ensure a smooth opening.

Clarkson has publicly thanked the council for their assistance on social media and has urged visitors to use designated off-road parking areas to avoid congestion on local roads.

Despite the challenges and the initial pushback, Clarkson’s new pub has made a significant splash, attracting both local patrons and visitors from afar. As the pub settles into its new role within the community, it will be closely watched to see how it fares in the competitive hospitality market.