Season four of Prime Video's Clarkson’s Farm is well underway, documented the former Top Gear presenter’s latest notoriously tough countryside venture: a village pub.
The Farmer’s Dog, opened in August 2024, is situated in the village of Asthall near Burford and almost exclusively features British-sourced grub.
It doesn’t quite apply to everything, with some products such as quinine having to be sourced from abroad. Quinine is essential to tonic water, with Clarkson and his team viewing it as a worthy compromise.
“You can’t have a pub that doesn’t offer a gin and tonic,” says the website’s about section. “But there is quinine in tonic water, and you can’t grow that in Britain.
“Sure, I could have served gin and water instead, but I didn’t think you’d enjoy it very much. Especially as, instead of a slice of lemon, you’d have been given a slice of turnip, or some potato peelings.”
With a focus on locally-sourced produce, prices are often a little higher than you might expect at other pubs. Jeremy Clarkson’s star power and the novelty of boozing and munching at his pub probably has an effect on the premium, too.
It’s rubbed some people up the wrong way, however, notably with the price of a steak pie meal at the pub.
A social media user said: “Thought @JeremyClarkson wanted an affordable pub for customers. £24 for pie and veg is a bit much.”
Never one to take criticism lying down, Clarkson issued a retort.
"Have you seen beef prices right now? If you could make it for less, I'll give you a job,” said the presenter.
"Your cows aren't they Jeremy?" someone replied, to which he said: "Some are. Most come from other farmers in the area and we pay a premium. We are here to back British farming. If you don't want to do that, fine. Enjoy your chlorine."
The defence hasn’t washed with everyone.
An X user labelled the prices 'f****** extortionate'.
Another one added: "At least Dick Turpin wore a mask."
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Beef prices have indeed shot up recently. Supply issues in the UK have been compounded by a Foot and Mouth outbreak in central Europe, making quality beef harder to come by while demand remains typically high.
It’s not the first time Clarkson’s Farm and sister pub have come under fire from social media users, with another pie-related pricing strategy at the farm shop drawing criticism. The largest pie available at the shop is priced at £199.99, with other produce being criticised for ‘extortionate’ prices.
FOODBible has contacted Jeremy Clarkson for comment.
How to watch Clarkson's Farm season 4 for free
Season four of Clarkson's Farm dropped on Prime Video on Friday, May 23, and new customers can tune in for free. All you need to do is sign up for a 30-day free trial here. Thereafter, a monthly subscription costs £8.99 per month or £95 annually. If you're a student or aged between 18 to 22, you only have to pay £4.49 per month.
Topics: Social Media, TV and Film, Celebrity
Rachael Davis