I never imagined I’d say this, but I genuinely enjoy Clarkson’s Farm. Despite never being a fan of Jeremy Clarkson or Top Gear—despite fitting the classic demographic of a white, middle-aged man—I found the show captivating. Its blend of humor, emotion, and education about farming is brilliant, especially Clarkson’s passionate dedication to agriculture’s triumphs and struggles.
One of the recurring themes in the series is Clarkson’s ambition to open a restaurant at Diddly Squat Farm to serve produce from his land and neighbors. Yet, after persistent local opposition, that idea was abandoned. Instead, the solution was to acquire a pub—the Farmer’s Dog—about 10 miles south, nestled by the A40 in the Oxfordshire countryside.
Save for the council’s concerns about traffic congestion at his farm shop, I imagined the pub might get busy, but I was utterly unprepared for what greeted me. The scene resembled a festival—a sea of cars stretched across a massive adjacent field, while a professional parking and security team managed an orderly flow. The sheer volume of visitors made the pub easily one of the country’s most popular.
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Despite my lunch reservation (which was simple to secure weeks in advance), the influx was overwhelming. Long queues of visitors hoping to snag tables, pints, or selfies snaked just hundreds of yards from the pub itself. Yet, thanks to dedicated staff swiftly seating reserved guests, entry was smooth.
Arriving early, we explored the shop, outdoor bar, and expansive beer garden, where hundreds basked in the sunshine with pints of Hawkstone beer—Clarkson’s own brew. The shop offers a variety of local goods, including Hawkstone lager, stout, IPA, cider, jams, honey (sourced from farm bees), candles, branded apparel, and butchered meats. I left with a crate of lager and a jar of honey, both perfect souvenirs of the farm.
As our 1pm slot approached, we were guided inside by a friendly usher called John, who bore a funny resemblance to Clarkson himself. Our table occupied a perfect corner by wide glass doors opening to the terrace, providing views inside and out with fresh air and sunlight.
Echoing the show’s ethos, the pub proudly highlights its local farm suppliers on a blackboard—an authentic nod to the community behind the food. We ordered Hawkstone Black stout and the lager, both exceptional, while soaking up the bustling but warm atmosphere. With no empty seats, lively conversations filled the room, a pianist played a grand piano near the entrance, and cheerful patrons sipped pints amid a general buzz of contentment.
My starter, cold-smoked Bibury trout, was superb—thick, flavorful slices better than many smoked salmon dishes I’ve tasted. Having visited the Bibury trout farm recently made it all the more special, especially paired with horseradish cream and watercress salad.
For mains, I opted for the hearty two-meat roast of beef and pork, complemented by roasted potatoes, carrots, parsnips, spring greens, red cabbage, cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire pudding, and horse-radish-infused gravy. The meal was generous, flavorful, and beautifully crafted, save perhaps for a touch more gravy. There was also a single-meat option and a vegetarian dish featuring Wye Valley asparagus with pea barley and a poached egg. Vegans might find options limited, a fact likely beside Clarkson’s mind.
Desserts looked enticing—an Eton mess and rhubarb crumble cake with Cotswolds ice cream passed by—but we were too full to indulge. The total bill for two mains, one starter, and two drinks came to £80, including service—a fair price given the quality.
Before leaving, I explored upstairs, discovering a striking full-sized tractor suspended from the ceiling above the pianist—an imaginative rustic touch that had eluded me on arrival.
Yes, the pub is undeniably busy—Jeremy Clarkson and Amazon Prime have sparked a genuine phenomenon. But don’t let the crowds deter you. Parking waits were minimal, reservations ensured quick entrance, and shop queues were short. The overwhelming impression was not chaos, but joy: a community delighted to share this unique place.
Having taken over what was once a quiet part of Oxfordshire, the pub’s popularity has been largely welcomed locally, making me feel no guilt for joining the throng. It’s a destination that goes beyond food; it’s about experience and emotion. Rain or shine, The Farmer’s Dog delivers an unforgettable visit—and I’m glad I made the trip.