My newfound affection for Clarkson’s Farm took me by surprise. Despite never being a fan of Jeremy Clarkson or Top Gear, I found the Amazon Prime series to be an absolute delight. It’s a unique blend of humor, emotion, and insight—all anchored by Clarkson’s genuine passion for farming, and the struggles and triumphs that come with it.
Over four series of Clarkson’s Farm, a key storyline was Clarkson’s attempt to open a restaurant at Diddly Squat Farm to serve meat and vegetables from his land and nearby farms. But local planning restrictions and opposition from neighbors quashed those plans, leading Clarkson to purchase a pub instead.
That pub is The Farmer’s Dog, located about 10 miles south of the farm on the A40 through the Cotswolds. After watching the first three series, I eagerly booked a Sunday lunch reservation. What I didn’t realize was just how much of the pub’s backstory unfolded in series four, nor the incredible history tied to the site.
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Clarkson found that The Farmer’s Dog, formerly The Windmill, had an unexpected past—as a notorious “dogging” spot. His lawyer brought this to light with somewhat humorous disbelief, revealing photos and evidence of illicit activities that once took place in the pub’s old public toilets, including drilled holes between cubicles and other surprises. Clarkson even found a pair of black knickers hidden in a nearby tree and a condom wrapper on the grounds, highlighting a colorful local history he hadn’t anticipated.
Complicating matters further, a large part of the pub’s outdoor space had been designated a public picnic area, which meant the pub couldn’t restrict access, adding another layer of challenge.
Knowing the intense response to Clarkson’s original farm shop—with crowds causing traffic chaos and parking issues—I prepared myself for a busy day. But the scene that greeted me was beyond anything I imagined. Arriving early, I found a vast, well-organized car park in a nearby field, complete with security and marshals guiding countless cars and motorcycles.
Approaching The Farmer’s Dog, the throng of people was staggering—crowds stretched into queues, though reservation holders like me were swiftly ushered inside thanks to dedicated staff. Outside, the extensive beer garden was packed with visitors soaking up sunshine, enjoying Clarkson’s own Hawkstone beers, and admiring sweeping views of the Cotswold farmland he cherishes.
The pub’s shop offered a tempting array of local produce, including beer varieties, jams, honey from Diddly Squat bees, candles, branded apparel, and even a butcher’s counter. I left with a crate of lager and a jar of honey, souvenirs of my visit.
Inside the pub, my lunch reservation led me to a prime corner table by glass doors opening onto the terrace—a perfect spot. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, live piano tunes played near the entrance, and staff moved efficiently through a packed space gleaming with Sunday roasts. A blackboard proudly highlighted local farmers supplying ingredients, reflecting Clarkson’s dedication to the community.
I started with cold-smoked Bibury trout, a standout dish as rich and flavorful as any smoked salmon I’ve had, complemented by horseradish cream and watercress salad. For my main, I chose the two-meat roast featuring beef and pork, accompanied by roasted potatoes, vegetables, cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy made with the stout I had ordered—a generous and satisfying meal.
Though I skipped dessert, the Eton mess and poached rhubarb crumble cake I saw passing by looked equally enticing.
The meal for two—including two mains, a starter, and drinks—came to £80, which felt fair given the quality and atmosphere. Before leaving, I explored upstairs and discovered a full-sized tractor hanging from the ceiling, a quirky nod to the farm’s roots I’d missed earlier.
Despite the heavy crowds, my experience was smooth—parking took only minutes, and my reservation meant no waiting at the door or shop. The atmosphere was overwhelmingly positive, with visitors clearly delighted to be part of this unique spot.
While I initially felt a bit guilty about joining the throngs in such a quiet corner of Oxfordshire, it seems locals are happy to have the pub as a new community hub, so I set those feelings aside.
Visiting The Farmer’s Dog was an experience I won’t forget. Pubs are about more than food—they’re about connection and feeling at home. And on that sunny afternoon in the Cotswolds, I felt exactly that. Of course, if the weather had been grim, my reflection might have been different—that’s just typical British weather for you.