Kym Illman, a globetrotting Formula 1 photographer known for attending every F1 race on the calendar, recently took a detour from his racing pursuits to visit Jeremy Clarkson’s Cotswolds pub, The Farmer’s Dog. Alongside his passion for motorsport, Kym documents travel content on his YouTube channel, where he shares airline reviews, hotel stays, and gastronomic experiences from around the world.
Hailing from Lancelin, Western Australia, Kym had previously missed out on dining at The Farmer’s Dog due to not realizing the venue required advance booking. Undeterred, he made a second visit to this pub nestled in the picturesque Cotswolds, a place run by Clarkson alongside his renowned Diddly Squat Farm.
During his meal, Kym sampled a variety of dishes, starting with a £13 buffalo mozzarella salad. Though slightly on the small side, he praised the mozzarella’s freshness and flavor. The tasty soup and sourdough followed, setting the stage for the main courses. For the mains, Kym and his dining companion ordered two steak pies at £26 each and a £22 Cotswold sausage.
READ MORE: Primark Recalls £8 Pepper Mills Over Dangerous Lead Contamination
READ MORE: Shocking Survey Uncovers Public Harassment of Young Women and Girls in Cheltenham
The steak pies made a strong impression. “First mouthful. Oh, I love it. I absolutely love it. This is not a traditional meat pie you get in Australia at a bakery. This is elevated, with a beautiful red wine taste,” Kym described enthusiastically. Paired with creamy mashed potatoes, the dish made for a comforting and satisfying meal. While the Cotswold sausage was “well above average,” Kym admitted the pie remained his favorite.
Observing the clientele, Kym noted that The Farmer’s Dog attracts “normal, run-of-the-mill people” rather than wealthy elite visitors, though many guests do travel internationally to experience the spot. To round out the meal, he indulged in a quintessential English dessert, an Eton mess, which he called “beautiful” and “gorgeous.”
Overall, Kym declared it the best lunch he’d had in Britain. The total bill for two came to about £140, including six dishes, a glass of white wine, a bottle of mineral water, and a generous 12.5% tip. He awarded the steak pie an impressive 9.1 out of 10.
When asked if The Farmer’s Dog is overrated, Kym was unequivocal: “No, I love the place, and I can tell you every one of the thousands that come here every day will say the same thing. Yes, you’re going to have to fork out a few dollars, but if you want quality food and a great experience, it’s going to cost you money.”
However, despite his fondness for the pub, Kym shared one thing that still irks him after two visits: “I’ll probably have to wait another year to come back for my third visit.” It seems enjoying The Farmer’s Dog is a treat worth the wait.