As The Farmer’s Dog pub came into view, it was clear this was no ordinary venue. Rarely do pubs need stewards in high-visibility jackets guiding cars into expansive fields converted into temporary car parks — and yet, that’s exactly what awaited visitors, with more vehicles than some music festivals.
I was a latecomer to the Clarkson’s Farm series on Amazon Prime Video but quickly became hooked. After binge-watching the first four series, I felt compelled to visit the pub that features so prominently in the show. Much of series four focused on the long-awaited launch of The Farmer’s Dog, a dream project of Jeremy Clarkson’s that faced many hurdles, including local authority pushback and dilapidated buildings.
With series five premiering on Tuesday, June 3, I was eager to see how the pub had evolved. From my visit, it’s clear The Farmer’s Dog is flourishing. Bookings for June and July are almost fully booked, yet I was lucky to secure a Sunday lunch reservation nearly a year in advance at this hotspot just 10 miles south of Diddly Squat Farm along the scenic A40 in Oxfordshire.
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The council’s concerns about traffic congestion and parking challenges near Clarkson’s farm shop seemed especially relevant here. Expecting crowds, I was still overwhelmed by the sheer number of visitors. A highly organised parking system funneled guests into a giant field, where hundreds, possibly thousands, of cars were parked. The steady stream of visitors shuffled between the car park and pub, eliciting gasps of astonishment from many, myself included.
Despite my booking, I had anticipated a calm meal — pubs have limited space, after all. Yet, while indoor seating is finite, the vast beer garden, outdoor bar, and adjacent shop comfortably accommodate several hundred more. The place was buzzing with people enjoying the sunshine, many seated on benches or sprawled on the grass with a pint of Hawkstone beer — a local brew in which Clarkson is a significant stakeholder.
The shop offered an enticing range of Hawkstone lagers, stouts, IPAs, and ciders, along with preserves, honey, candles, branded clothing, and even a butcher’s counter. I left with a crate of lager (£28 for 12 bottles) and a jar of local honey (£12) from bees kept at Diddly Squat Farm.
Approaching our 1pm reservation, staff efficiently escorted us inside and to our table, which was ideally located next to glass doors leading to the terrace. This spot provided a perfect vantage point to watch the lively activity inside and appreciate the natural light and fresh air outside.
The pub proudly supports local agriculture, with a chalkboard listing ingredient suppliers including Vanessa Hartley, Nick Sinden, and Rectory Farm. Clarkson originally wanted to open a restaurant at Diddly Squat Farm offering produce from his and neighbouring farms but shifted focus to purchasing this pub after facing opposition.
We ordered a pint of Hawkstone Black stout (£7) and a half pint of Hawkstone lager (£3.50), both superb — the stout rivaling Guinness. Staff navigated the bustling pub with plates heaping generous Sunday roasts while a pianist played near the entrance. The atmosphere was vibrant and joyful, with guests seeming delighted just to be there.
My starter, cold-smoked Bibury trout (£11.50), was exceptional — thick, flavourful slices accompanied by horseradish cream and watercress salad. Having visited the nearby trout farm recently enhanced the experience.
For the main course, I chose the two-meat roast with beef and pork (£26), served alongside roasted potatoes, carrots, parsnips, spring greens, red cabbage, cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire pudding, and stout gravy. The meal was generous and flavoursome, with only a minor wish for more gravy.
Single meat options were available at a slight discount, and a vegetarian dish of Wye Valley asparagus with pea pearl barley and a poached egg was on the menu. However, there was no vegan option.
Though full, we noticed tempting desserts like Eton mess and poached rhubarb crumble cake with Cotswolds ice cream being enjoyed nearby, priced at £10.50 each.
Our meal finished within the hour, with a bill of £80 including service for two mains, a starter, and drinks. Before leaving, I explored the upstairs area—also busy—and spotted a full-sized tractor hanging from the ceiling near the pianist, a charming detail I’d missed earlier.
Jeremy Clarkson and Amazon Prime Video have created something truly remarkable here. Don’t let the crowds discourage you; if you’re within day-trip distance, it’s well worth a visit. The queue for parking was brief, and booked guests breeze past entry lines. Expect to queue if buying drinks or shopping, but that’s part of the vibrant charm.
I admit some initial hesitation about the influx of visitors to this once tranquil patch of Oxfordshire, but locals appear happy with the thriving establishment. My visit left a lasting impression, as everyone I shared it with was keen to hear about the experience.
Pubs aren’t just about food and drink—they’re about atmosphere and emotion. I treasured every moment at The Farmer’s Dog. Of course, British weather could change the vibe, but for now, under glorious sunshine, it was perfect.
Season 5 of Clarkson’s Farm began airing June 3 on Amazon Prime Video, with eight episodes released across three weeks. Enjoy the show and perhaps plan your own trip to the pub that’s captured the hearts of fans nationwide.