Jeremy Clarkson’s announcement to serve squirrel at his countryside pub has sparked outrage and condemnation, with the move being labeled as a “hideous bully” tactic. The former ‘Top Gear’ presenter is set to showcase the bushy-tailed creature as part of the menu during a special event promising “weird and wonderful” culinary experiences.
PETA, an animal welfare organization, has strongly criticized Clarkson’s controversial menu choice. Elisa Allen, Vice President of Programmes at PETA, expressed her disdain, stating, “How desperate does one have to be to turn wildlife into a pub stunt for some kind of shock value straight out of the bargain bin?”
Allen further highlighted the nature of squirrels, describing them as industrious, clever, and sentient, while calling out the insensitivity of their use in the menu: “Recognizing they are also vulnerable, only a hideous bully would take them from their life in a park and slice them up on a plate.”
READ MORE: The 117-Year-Old’s Secret: Cholesterol-Lowering Superfood Revealed
READ MORE: The Powerful Impact of Ginger Tea on Inflammation and Health Risks
In response to the situation, PETA has issued a challenge to Clarkson and his team, urging them to embrace a more innovative approach, stating, “We challenge Jeremy Clarkson and his sad cronies to dare to try something genuinely bold: compassionate plant-based cuisine.”
The upcoming event at Clarkson’s Farmer’s Dog pub in the Cotswolds will feature the squirrel dish at a cost of £85 per person and is tailored towards adventurous eaters. The menu, not for the faint-hearted, includes items such as pan-fried brains, lamb’s hearts, and snail caviar.
Set to be featured in an upcoming episode of his Amazon series ‘Clarkson’s Farm’, the unconventional dining experience will cater to individuals seeking unique culinary adventures.
Jeremy Clarkson himself has promoted the event by inviting those interested in trying new, challenging, and unusual dishes, while making it clear that the offerings are not intended for vegetarians or vegans.
The Farmer’s Dog’s social media post has received mixed reactions, with one Instagram user commenting that the offerings resemble roadkill.
The establishment has expressed excitement about the upcoming event, emphasizing its uniqueness and the promise of memorable dishes and novel foods, including veal sweetbreads, roasted bone marrow, stuffed lamb’s hearts, crispy squirrel, snail caviar, and pan-fried brain.
The Farmer’s Dog has faced previous criticism from PETA for not aligning with their vegan stance. Last year, the animal rights organization targeted the pub over pork production and condemned their practices by presenting them with literature on the realities of animal product testing.
Jeremy Clarkson’s decision to introduce unconventional dishes at his pub in Asthall has drawn attention and criticism, with his ex-Top Gear co-presenter, James May, also making claims about the quality of his own pub.