Approaching The Farmer’s Dog pub, it quickly became clear this was no ordinary establishment. The sight of stewards in high-visibility jackets guiding cars to large grass fields packed with vehicles more akin to a festival parking lot set the tone for an extraordinary day out.
Having joined the Clarkson’s Farm phenomenon late, I was instantly hooked after binge-watching the first four series on Amazon Prime Video. Much of series four revolved around the launch of The Farmer’s Dog—Jeremy Clarkson’s long-held dream of opening a countryside pub despite numerous hurdles, from local planning disputes to renovating a dilapidated building.
With series five having just debuted on June 3, I was eager to see how the pub was faring. From my visit, it appears to be thriving. Tables book out months in advance, especially during the busy summer months. A year ago, I secured a Sunday lunch reservation at The Farmer’s Dog, located about 10 miles south of Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm, tucked alongside the scenic A40 through Oxfordshire.
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One of the biggest challenges at Clarkson’s original farm shop was managing the overwhelming influx of visitors, which caused congestion and roadside parking woes. Expecting similar chaos at the pub, I was nonetheless taken aback by the scale of the crowds.
An organized system shepherded visitors into a vast adjacent field, already crammed with cars numbering in the thousands. People moved like an orderly procession from the car park to the pub itself, and the exclamations of surprise from fellow guests certainly echoed my own reaction.
Despite having a reservation, I was aware that the pub’s seating capacity is limited. However, the sprawling beer garden, outdoor bar, and expansive shop allowed hundreds more to soak up the lively atmosphere and stunning Cotswolds views.
Inside, reservations granted immediate entry while many others queued—likely drawn by the pub’s locally brewed Hawkstone beer or hoping for a glimpse of Clarkson’s creation. Arriving an hour early gave me time to explore the shop, which stocks a wide variety of Hawkstone brews—lager, stout, IPA, and cider — as well as local preserves, honey, candles, branded apparel, and even a butcher’s counter. I left with a crate of lager and a jar of honey harvested right from bees at Diddly Squat Farm.
At one o’clock, our table awaited in a cozy corner beside glass doors overlooking the terrace. The setting combined lively indoor energy with refreshing outdoor light, creating a perfect dining environment.
The pub proudly champions local produce. A chalkboard named regional suppliers, reflecting Clarkson’s commitment to supporting neighborhood farms. Originally, Clarkson dreamed of establishing a farm-to-table restaurant at Diddly Squat, but due to local opposition, he pivoted to acquiring and rejuvenating a traditional pub instead.
We sampled a pint of Hawkstone Black stout and a half-pint of Hawkstone lager. Both were outstanding—the stout stood proud alongside the finest Guinness. Staff moved deftly through the packed room, delivering generous plates of Sunday roasts to eager diners while a pianist’s melodies added to the convivial ambiance.
To start, I chose the cold-smoked Bibury trout—a thick, flavour-packed dish topped with horseradish cream and watercress salad—that rivalled the best smoked fish I’ve tasted. Visiting Bibury trout farm days earlier made this a particularly memorable experience.
For the main course, the two-meat roast featuring beef and pork arrived with roasted potatoes, carrots, parsnips, spring greens, red cabbage, cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire pudding, and rich stout-infused gravy. Flawlessly prepared and fully satisfying, it was the quintessential British Sunday roast, though a bit more gravy would have been welcome.
Options included a single-meat roast at a small discount and a vegetarian dish of Wye Valley asparagus with pea pearl barley and a poached egg. Unfortunately, there was no vegan option on the menu.
Desserts like Eton mess and poached rhubarb crumble with Cotswolds ice cream looked tempting but remained untried. Our meal concluded within an hour at a reasonable £80 including service.
Before leaving, I explored upstairs where I discovered a full-sized tractor suspended above the pianist, a quirky nod to Clarkson’s farming roots that I hadn’t noticed earlier.
What Clarkson and Amazon Prime Video have created is truly exceptional—an authentic country pub with heart and hustle. The crowds shouldn’t deter you; if anything, they confirm the place’s popularity and charm. Entry and parking queues were minimal given the numbers, and booked guests move swiftly past the busiest points.
While the crowds may alter the peaceful Oxfordshire landscape that existed a year ago, locals reportedly welcome the pub’s success. I’m glad I made the trip, as The Farmer’s Dog offers more than food—it evokes a feeling of community and celebration that lingers long after the final sip of beer.
Series Five of Clarkson’s Farm launched on Amazon Prime Video on June 3, with eight episodes releasing in three parts through June.