The initiative, which is running until Sunday 30 March, has built on last year’s, doubling the number of kegs from 500 to 1,000 for this year.
Clarkson said: “The only thing that is saving me from financial ruin is the fact we [the Farmer’s Dog] serves Hawkstone lager and cider.
“If you’ve got a pub and if you want to see if this strategy works for you as well, get in touch with us at our website and if we like the sound of your pub, we’ll send you a free keg.”
The campaign kicked off with an announcement from Clarkson, which was shared on Hawkstone’s Instagram.
Social anouncement
Marston’s was the first national pub chain to serve Hawkstone Premium Lager, it was revealed in December, with it being poured at more than 100 of the pub company’s sites.
Clarkson first started producing Hawkstone Lager at Diddly Squat Farm on the second series of Clarkson’s Farm, using his own spring barley to brew the beer.
It has tones of citrus, malt and a subtle bitterness, resulting in a bold flavour and smooth finish. The brew is made with barley sourced directly from British farmers.
The TV presenter opened the Farmer’s Dog, near Burford, Oxfordshire last summer and operators offered words of wisdom about taking on a hospitality venue.
Operator issues
A number of pub owners advised him to ensure he had the right team around him.
Earlier this year (January), Clarkson introduced beer mats at the Oxfordshire pub in a bid to deter potential glass thieves.
He wrote in his column for The Sunday Times about the struggles faced by pubs, adding the level of glass theft at the Farmer’s Dog had been “extraordinary”.
The pub’s menu serves dishes made entirely with ingredients produced on British farms and based on what is in season.
