Jeremy Clarkson’s pub, The Farmer’s Dog, nestled in Asthall, Oxfordshire, has quickly become a popular destination since opening in August last year. The pub’s rise to fame was highlighted in the recently released season four of Clarkson’s Farm, where the TV star and former Top Gear host showed the journey of turning the former Windmill building into a bustling pub.
Clarkson, 65, acquired the building for under £1 million, and like his 2020 Diddly Squat farm shop, the new pub attracted throngs of fans eager to experience it. Visitors often faced long queues, with many insisting the food and drink were worth the wait.
Among them was Phil, a TikToker known for his straightforward reviews. Curious if the pub lived up to the hype, he made the trip to The Farmer’s Dog, sharing his candid thoughts. “We’ve all seen people queuing for two hours just for a pint after a three-hour drive hoping to spot ‘Jezza’, but I actually had a much better time than expected,” Phil remarked.
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However, he pointed out some challenges. Located 10 miles outside Oxford, the pub requires a drive, and parking isn’t free—a £2 fee goes directly to the farmer who owns the land. Phil stayed overnight nearby and walked the two-and-a-half miles to the pub, discovering more than just a drinking spot. The venue includes the pub itself, a restaurant requiring advance bookings, a Grand Tour tent stocked with merchandise, a butcher, and a farm shop.
For casual visitors, there’s also an outdoor bar and the Farmer’s Puppy takeaway, though Phil warned that waiting times during busy periods can stretch for hours. During his visit, he ordered a £14 burger and a £6.75 pint, which he felt was fair given the pub’s popularity. Luckily, he visited at a quieter time—he cautioned that weekends in summer bring long waits.
As evening fell, a crowd quickly gathered, confirming the restaurant’s status as a hotspot. Yet, one rule in particular puzzled Phil: the complete absence of ketchup and many common products. Clarkson insists all ingredients and products must be British, leading to no ketchup, coffee, lemonade, or similar items on site.
Phil concluded his review on a positive note: “The pub is fun, the conversations with fellow patrons were normal, and Hawkestone beers genuinely stand out. If you’re a fan of the show, set aside a day, book accommodation nearby, enjoy the full Hawkestone range, and avoid busy weekends and bank holidays.”