Following the release of the fourth series of Clarkson’s Farm on Amazon Prime on May 23, Chipping Norton has turned into a magnet for visitors eager to experience Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm Shop for themselves.
When the shop reopened in February 2023 after a winter break, crowds poured in to visit not just the shop, but also in hopes of catching a glimpse of the Grand Tour star himself. The timing couldn’t have been better, coinciding with the second series launch of Clarkson’s Farm, which drew 4.3 million viewers for its premiere episode.
Having followed the farm’s journey since 2020 through the show, I was curious to explore the “emporium of edible delights” nestled on Clarkson’s sprawling 1,000-acre estate in the Cotswolds.
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Arriving early on a Thursday morning in February, I was surprised to find the car park already full with visitors lined up across the field. Despite the farm’s vast size, the shop itself is quite small, which inevitably leads to long queues. A humorous sign in the queue apologised for the wait, attributing it to the shop’s quaint size while promising improvements.
While waiting, I entertained myself by reading visitors’ names and hometowns etched into the wooden fence. The queue only grew longer as others arrived, eventually splitting into another line inside the charming shop.
Inside, the experience was a bit rushed, as I hurriedly picked items to avoid losing my place. The farm shop offers a variety of farm-fresh products like sausages, bacon, pork pies, eggs, honey, milk, and bread, all sourced locally or from the farm itself. Prices are above supermarket rates, and some items lacked clear price tags, adding a quirky touch to the visit. No receipts were handed out, giving the shopping experience an unusual, old-fashioned feel.
Most visitors seemed to come for just a few select items or Diddly Squat branded memorabilia, making it more about the atmosphere than bulk buying.
After finishing inside, I noticed the queue had stretched even further. Luckily, free bread samples were passed around, keeping appetites and spirits up.
Behind the shop, I found a welcome retreat: a bar serving Clarkson’s own Hawkstone beer and a burger van boasting “the best hamburgers in the world.” The setting offered beautiful views of the famous “Big View” with plenty of outdoor seating.
I opted for The Big View Burger with chips and a pint of Hawkstone lager. The burger van, named Baste, did not disappoint. The chips were perfectly crispy yet fluffy inside, made from local potatoes—some sourced right from Clarkson’s farm. The burger itself was a flavour-packed masterpiece, featuring mature cheddar, homemade sauce, caramelised onions, pickles, and fresh salad. The beef patty was juicy and rich, rumoured to be farm-fresh and maybe even from one of Clarkson’s cows featured on the show.
The Hawkstone lager was light and balanced, pairing wonderfully with the meal. Sitting quietly away from the bustling queue, I enjoyed the peaceful countryside views and live music from the bar.
With the farm shop growing ever more popular and the show’s success continuing to climb, Diddly Squat promises to remain a must-visit destination. While the long queues might deter some, the exceptional food and unique atmosphere make it well worth the wait. Next time, I might skip the shop line and head straight for the burger van.
The Diddly Squat Farm Shop is open Wednesday to Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm, including Bank Holidays. The bar serves until 4:30pm, with food available until 3pm.