A customer who arranged a birthday celebration at Jeremy Clarkson’s pub has pledged never to set foot there again following their experience. The former Top Gear presenter launched The Farmer’s Dog in Oxfordshire in 2024.
Jeremy’s transformation of the establishment into its current form was documented on his Amazon Prime Video programme Clarkson’s Farm. Since opening, thousands of the show’s followers have visited the venue. However, it has faced a string of critical reviews.
Patrons have compared the pub to a fast food chain and grumbled that the service resembles a “production line”. One guest who reserved a table for a 30th birthday celebration claimed their family felt “let down” by what transpired, according to creatorzine.com.
Writing on Tripadvisor, they stated: “No ambience, felt like a production line, head em up, move em out, was like being served by robots
“No acknowledgement of his birthday even though I stated it when booking. Really disappointing for a special birthday, it was a let down.
“Won’t be returning or recommending like I have in the past. This was like going to a cafe or McDonald’s – in fact I’ve probably sat longer in a fast food outlet than here for a special meal.”
Another critic commented: “Over £25 for a pie? Rip off. Without the star name it would be only a nice pub.”
A third reviewer criticised the pub’s cashless payment system, writing: “Lovely place but doesn’t support the British pound, as in card only, disappointing.” Another diner advised others to “save their money” by avoiding the establishment.
They commented: “Both ordered pork and it arrived in less than 10 minutes (not a good sign) and was nearly cold, meat was so dry, the singular carrot was hardly cooked, potatoes like mush and Yorkshire pudding so dry it was crumbling.
“There was no crackling as written on the menu. We weren’t asked once if we had enjoyed the food.
“It seems they value churning food out, over any sort of quality. Really disappointing.”
Other patrons, though, have been thoroughly impressed by the location. One enthused: “For our mains two of us had the sausage and mash and they were some of the best sausages we have eaten. The mash was smooth, light and delicious.
“The other member of our party had the steak pie which was full of meat and gravy and again extremely tasty. The food may have cost a little more than you would normally pay but you get what you pay for, fresh, local produce. We felt it was well worth the money.”
Another visitor noted: “My partner and I had booked The Farmers dog, of course because of the TV show. I was a little apprehensive as with somewhere so hyped there’s always the chance it will be terrible in reality.
“I needn’t have worried. We arrived early so we had time to go into the Grand Tour tent/shop which we found to be well stocked and the staff there were lovely and friendly.”
