Many in the industry can relate to the challenges faced by the pub as well as the uphill struggles in dealing with local councils and regulations.
The Morning Advertiser has picked out some of Clarkson’s highlights throughout the time he has been running the Cotswolds-based site.
1. Stress
Jeremy Clarkson was reported saying that owning a pub was “more stressful” than running his farm.
2. Loneliness
Clarkson recognised that loneliness is becoming an issue in rural areas, with villages losing their soul and services. He said the pub should be the hub of the village.
3. Regulation
The TV celebrity highlighted the raft of regulations that pubs need to deal with on food hygiene and safety, as well as recruitment issues of finding chefs and staff.
4. Cost pressures
Clarkson spoke to some celebrity friends about the challenges of running a pub. Director Guy Ritchie and TV presenter James May explained to him about the cost pressures including energy prices, insurance, maintenance and staffing.
5. Planning delays
Jeremy Clarkson’s relationship with his local council has been challenging. But never more so than his planning application to extend the car parking facilities at the Farmer’s Dog. The application was made in December 2024 and is still waiting for a decision.
6. Glass thefts
Clarkson introduced new beer mats at his Oxfordshire pub in a bid to deter potential glass thieves after revealing the level of thefts had been “extraordinary”
7. Rural communities
He banned Prime Minister Keir Starmer from the Farmer’s Dog, claiming that he is out of touch with the rural community.
8. Operational challenges
The TV presenter admitted the opening of the Farmer’s Dog in Burford last summer (August) was an “absolute disaster” with a plethora of issues such as problems with beer coolers, tripping extractor fans and supply chain challenges.
