Punters who were eager to sample Jeremy Clarkson’s The Farmer’s Dog pub have given their verdict on everything from the beers and food to long queues and the prices.
The former Top Gear presenter has drawn in huge crowds to his new pub in Asthall, Oxfordshire, which opened its doors on August 23.
The pub seeks to support British farmers by using only local produce – for everything from meat and beers to salt and pepper.
And despite his recent admission that his latest venture is losing him a huge amount of money, punters visiting the venue seem largely impressed with their experience.
Posting a review online, TikTok user Alice Griggs wrote: ‘It was really cool. Everything was provided by British farmers so that’s why there’s no ketchup or Coca-Cola because you can’t get that from a British source.’
But while some took a liking to the new pub, others were not as thrilled with their experience – particularly the prices and the wait for a pint of beer.
Toby Inskip, who posts to social media under the handle @eatingwithtod, shared a TikTok of his experience.
One customer claimed: ‘It’s definitely not an authentic pub experience. It feels like a Clarkson theme park.’
Some punters revealed how the price for two pints is £17.50 – including £2.50 on reusable cups – and the queue to get them took just over 11 minutes.
The popular food reviewer remarked on how the beer was ‘cold, light, not too hoppy and went down a treat on a hot summer’s day’.
However, when it came to his review of the burger, he was less than impressed with its £14 price despite it tasting nice.
Commenting on the taste of sausages and mash for £19, he said it was ‘underwhelming’ because of ‘lukewarm sausages and a lack of butter in the mash’.
Responding to his review on social media, one person commented on Instagram: ‘I mean it’s basically a Jeremy Clarkson branded pub, you pay for the novelty not the taste. Still a shame though.’
Meanwhile, others praised the former Top Gear presenter for the ‘beautiful’ pub which supporting local farmers.
One reviewer, Ali in the Cotswolds, was nothing short of praises for Clarkson’s new pub which boasts ‘incredible views of the countryside.’
She said in a TikTok post: ‘The queue was long to get in but there was absolutely no traffic getting in, you’ll be pleased to know.
‘The pub inside is absolutely beautiful. They’ve done such a good job. How stunning is this bar. And of course they even have a tractor suspended from the ceiling.
‘Here’s me enjoying my well-deserved drink with a beautiful view.
‘It’s a really traditional English menu with pork pies, sausage rolls, apple crumble, and on the weekends they’re going to be doing carvery, which I just can’t wait for.’
Taking to TripAdvisor, many also raved about their day out at the pub.
One wrote: ‘Travelled down from Glasgow to visit The Farmer’s Dog on Saturday 7th September.
‘Once in, the carvery lunch was sublime. Portions were great, everything tasted fantastic and thought good value for money at £20 + £3 subcharge per head.
‘My only minor criticism is that the food could have been hotter – maybe if plates were heated before food put on.
‘After lunch we spent time out on the terrace and then in the pub and finished off back in the tent. Great selection of Hawkstone cider and beer in all locations and great setting with big open landscape views and brilliant atmosphere to spend a day.’
On TripAdvisor, one person also complained: ‘Charged £2 to park your car in a field. £18.50 for a Cold Burger and a few fries served on a Paper Plate.’
However, another wrote: ‘We had to stand in line for 90 minutes on a cold day but once inside the service was fantastic. The food and drinks were served politely and promptly.
‘The steak pie was piping hot with mash and fresh vegetables. I enjoyed my pint of Hawkstone zero lager.
‘Several of us chose the syrup sponge and custard for pudding. Dogs are welcome and the views across the Cotswolds are magnificent.
‘We were impressed by how well the staff worked – the entire operation was very slick – and yet we did not feel rushed. Full marks!’
Another wrote: ‘My summary of a wonderful experience is as follows The Food Absolutely outstanding.
‘To me the sign of a truly great meal is when I put the first mouthful in and forget what I’m talking about, as the taste buds in my mouth suddenly take over my brain, with the pure delight of the flavour and texture.
‘A carvery, superb cut of beef, cooked to perfection, likewise the vegetables were just as they’re meant to be and full of flavour.
All with out of this world horseradish and apple sauce. Divine. Good value too in my view, costs me the same to cook a decent roast at home.
‘The most striking thing is how very pleasant and professional all the staff are. That started with having a laugh with the nice man working in the car park.
‘All the way through I observed the perfect balance between them being both helpful and attentive to customers, though not in anyone’s face or OTT with it. Spacious inside with a very farm feel lots more space and fun to be had outside.’
Another also wrote on TripAdvisor: ‘Travelled from Stoke to the Cotswolds to see Diddly Squat and The Farmer’s Dog. The pub is lovely, the beer is great and the prices are reasonable too, I’ve seen other reviews moaning about the prices, really?? This isn’t Wetherspoons!’
has contacted Clarkson’s representatives.