The Farmer's Dog pub in Oxfordshire, near Diddly Squat Farm, is a phenomenon thanks to its starring role on the Amazon Prime Video series
As it came into view, it became evident this was no ordinary pub. Few pubs, after all, require stewards in high-visibility jackets guiding motorists towards makeshift car parks in fields, packed with more cars than you'd find at some festivals.
I came late to the Clarkson's Farm series on Amazon Prime Video and was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Having devoured most of the first four series, I felt compelled to experience the iconic locations featured in the programme first-hand. Much of series four centred on the launch of The Farmer's Dog, the pub Jeremy Clarkson had long dreamed of opening in the face of numerous obstacles including resistance from local planning authorities and crumbling buildings.
With any luck, series five, which premiered on Tuesday, June 3 on Amazon Prime Video, will reveal how matters have progressed. But based on my experience, it's thriving! Bookings are almost gone for the remainder of June and July. But a year ago I secured a table for Sunday lunch at The Farmer's Dog, situated approximately 10 miles south of Clarkson's farm shop, Diddly Squat, alongside the A40 as it meanders through the Oxfordshire countryside.
Is Jeremy Clarkson's pub busy? One aspect that appeared to particularly frustrate council officials and some residents near Clarkson's original farm shop was the sheer volume of visitors, causing congestion on nearby roads and vehicles parking on grass verges.
As a result, I anticipated the pub would be busy too — but nothing could have prepared me for what I encountered. A comprehensive security and parking system was in place, directing arrivals into a massive neighbouring field already filled with hundreds, possibly thousands, of vehicles. Visitors moved like a procession of ants between the car park and pub, and the astonished "bloody hell!
" I overheard from another guest accurately captured my own thoughts. I'd somewhat innocently assumed that having secured a lunch booking would mean a relatively peaceful experience. After all, a pub can only accommodate so many people, surely? Not quite.
While it's true the pub itself has limited capacity, several hundred more can occupy the expansive beer garden, explore the adjacent shop, or simply enjoy being here. People were absolutely everywhere. Scores of them stood queuing to enter the pub, although mercifully those with reservations needn't wait in line - I was pleased to see a staff member specifically tasked with locating us and guiding us to the entrance.
I presume those queuing were either after a pint of the locally-brewed Hawkstone beer or hoping for a quick photo opportunity. The shop at The Farmer's Dog We arrived an hour ahead of our lunch booking, so we took the opportunity to explore the extensive shop, outdoor bar and expansive beer garden situated behind the pub.
Thousands of visitors were present, basking in brilliant sunshine while seated on wooden benches or sprawled across the grass, savouring a pint of Hawkstone and admiring the stunning vistas across the Cotswolds countryside that has so captivated the proprietor himself. The shop stocks Hawkstone lager, stout, IPA and cider available in crates and gift sets, alongside preserves, marmalades, honey, candles, branded clothing and there's even a butcher's counter.
I left with a crate of lager and a £12 jar of honey produced by the bees at Diddly Squat Farm. Sunday lunch at The Farmer's Dog — does it deliver? Shortly before our 1pm dining reservation, we returned to the pub's entrance and were promptly instructed to venture inside and escorted to our table.
We struck gold — our table was positioned in a secluded nook adjacent to the glass doors opening onto the spacious outdoor terrace. Not only could we observe the entire lively interior, but we also benefited from the fresh air and natural light from outside. The setting could scarcely have been more perfect. The pub takes great pride in highlighting its commitment to supporting local agriculture.
A chalkboard displayed on the wall credited local producers Vanessa Hartley and Nick Sinden, alongside Rectory Farm, as suppliers of the ingredients being served. Clarkson had initially aspired to establish a restaurant at Diddly Squat Farm, where he could offer meat and vegetables from his own and neighbouring farms.
However, the council and local residents opposed the plan, leading Clarkson to give up on that ambition and instead conclude that "thought instead of building a restaurant we would buy a pub". We requested a pint of the Hawkstone Black stout and a half of Hawkstone lager .
Both proved exceptional and we enjoyed them while observing staff navigate efficiently through the bustling venue, transporting plates heaped with substantial and appetising-looking Sunday roasts, occasionally stepping around dogs resting at their owners' feet. A pianist performed on a grand piano near the entrance, a constant queue formed at the bar for drinks, and a positive atmosphere permeated the entire establishment — people appeared delighted just to be there.
My opening course of cold-smoked Bibury trout proved outstanding - substantial, thickly-cut trout bursting with taste and arguably superior to any smoked salmon I've previously sampled. Having visited the Bibury trout farm, located a brief journey away, just two days prior, enhanced the experience considerably, as did the accompanying horseradish cream and watercress salad. I opted for the two-meat main course featuring beef and pork , the sole meat choices available.
The dish arrived accompanied by roasted whole potatoes, roasted carrots and parsnips, spring greens, red cabbage, cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire pudding and gravy prepared with the stout. Distinguishing between expertly prepared Sunday roasts proves challenging, so I shan't labour the point. This particular offering was plentiful, flavoursome and mostly flawless .
Diners could opt for a single meat option for £2 less, while a vegetarian alternative of Wye Valley asparagus with pea pearl barley and a poached egg was also offered. There appeared to be no provision for vegans, whether by design or oversight. Despite being thoroughly satisfied, we observed an Eton mess and poached rhubarb crumble cake served with Cotswolds ice cream being delivered to nearby tables. Both desserts appeared tempting.
Our meal was concluded within the hour, with the total bill for two mains, one starter and two beverages reaching £80 . Before departing, I took a moment to appreciate the surroundings further by venturing upstairs and I noticed the full-sized tractor suspended from the ceiling above the pianist, which had somehow escaped my attention upon arrival. Should you visit?
Final verdict on The Farmer's Dog Jeremy Clarkson and Amazon Prime Video have produced something truly remarkable. However, don't let the crowds deter you. In truth, it's all the more justification to visit, particularly when it's near enough for a day excursion. The queue for the car park lasted merely a few minutes at best, and that was the sole waiting I encountered.
Due to my booking, I walked straight through the entrance and avoided queuing at the shop as well. My overarching sense of the substantial crowd was just how delighted we all were to be present. Should you fancy a pint or a purchase from the butcher's counter, you ought to anticipate a queue, but that's largely it.
I experienced a slight sense of remorse about being amongst the masses of visitors descending upon what was presumably a peaceful and unassuming corner of Oxfordshire a year ago – however, from what I've gathered, most locals are pleased to have the establishment. I'm incredibly pleased I made the journey and it will stay with me for quite some time. Everyone was keen to hear about it once I returned home.
Pubs aren't solely about the fare on offer, they're about the feelings they evoke. And I cherished every moment of this outing. It might prove a somewhat different affair in torrential rain rather than glorious sunshine – but we reside in Britain, so we simply have to accept that. Season Five of Clarkson's Farm started on Tuesday, June 3 on Amazon Prime Video.
The new series features eight episodes, split into three parts spread across a number of weeks. Episodes one to four will be available on June 3, episodes five and six will drop on June 10 and the last two episodes will air as part of a bumper finale on June 17.
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