YouTuber Pits Jeremy Clarkson and James May’s Pubs Against Each Other — And the Result Is Surprisingly Close

For years, Jeremy Clarkson and James May have entertained global audiences with their playful rivalry on Top Gear and The Grand Tour. But recently, that rivalry shifted from racetracks and car challenges to something much more unexpected — the British pub scene. And thanks to YouTuber Gary Eats, fans now have a head-to-head comparison of the pair’s boozers that reveals far more than anyone expected.

Gary, known for his upbeat personality and meticulous food reviews, set out to answer a question fans didn’t even know they needed answered: Which pub is better — James May’s long-established Royal Oak or Jeremy Clarkson’s newly launched Farmer’s Dog?

His journey turned into a fascinating, humorous, and surprisingly heartfelt exploration of two pubs that reflect the personalities of their famous owners.

---

A Warm Welcome at James May’s Royal Oak

Gary began his pub tour at The Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe, Wiltshire, which May co-owns and has proudly championed for years. Nestled in a quiet Cotswolds-style village, the pub radiates traditional charm — low beams, soft lighting, and the kind of peaceful silence where, as Gary noted, “you could hear a pin drop.”

Things got off to a strong start. Staff recommended a classic bitter — a nod to May’s personal preferences — and happily fulfilled Gary’s request to swap sauces on his flat iron steak. That flexibility alone earned praise.

The main course impressed even more. With each bite, Gary’s enthusiasm grew:

• “Absolutely brilliant.”

• “Gorgeous.”

• “A great portion.”

His reaction to the dessert — an enormous sticky toffee pudding — sealed the deal.

“Holy moly, that is sweet. That’s the way you do it!” he declared, marveling at the light sponge and decadent sauce.

By the time he finished, Gary was beaming:

“This is a beautiful pub. I love this place. Absolutely bang on. Jeremy, you’re under pressure!”

---

A Very Different Atmosphere at Clarkson’s Farmer’s Dog

Next, Gary headed to Clarkson’s newly acquired pub, The Farmer’s Dog in Asthall, Oxfordshire. Purchased for around £1 million and opened in August 2024, the pub has quickly become a hotspot among fans of Clarkson’s Farm.

The contrast began the moment he arrived.
The Royal Oak was peaceful.
The Farmer’s Dog? Packed.

The car park was overflowing. Gary joked that he didn’t want to linger outside:
“I just want to get straight in there.”

Inside, the pub felt unmistakably modern — cleaner lines, louder energy, and a design that mirrors Clarkson’s bold, contemporary approach. Despite the differences, Gary appreciated both styles.

To keep things fair, he ordered the same items he’d eaten at May’s pub: a terrine to start, a steak for the main, and a recommended ale.

The Food: A Tight Race

Gary rated May’s starter “stupendously good,” while Clarkson’s equivalent landed a notch below as “very good.” Still, he enjoyed it.

The main course — a thick gammon steak — brought things back neck and neck.

“A perfect piece of gammon,” he declared.
“Lovely saltiness… super tender.”

And yes, it earned his famous seal of approval:
“Bang on.”

---

And the Winner Is…

After visiting both pubs, tasting the food, examining the atmosphere, and soaking in the service, Gary tallied up his scores.

The Royal Oak (James May): 47/50
The Farmer’s Dog (Jeremy Clarkson): 46/50

A difference of just one point.

In the end, Gary emphasized that both pubs were excellent in their own ways — one traditional, one modern — and each clearly shaped by the personality of its high-profile owner. May’s pub edged ahead thanks to the exceptional starter and serene atmosphere, while Clarkson’s impressed with its energy, generous portions, and modern flair.

But what truly made the review compelling wasn’t the score. It was the unexpected discovery that the two pubs don’t compete so much as complement each other. One feels like a quiet retreat; the other, a lively destination. Together, they tell the story of two longtime colleagues whose differences continue to entertain fans — even in the world of British pub culture.