Since opening its doors to the public, The Farmer’s Dog has quickly established itself as one of the most talked-about pubs in the Cotswolds. Owned by Jeremy Clarkson, the venue has become a magnet not only for fans of Clarkson’s Farm, but also for musicians and well-known personalities from across the entertainment world.

Located in the village of Asthall, the pub was purchased by Clarkson last year for around £1 million, back when it traded as The Windmill. After extensive renovation and a complete rebrand, it reopened in August 2024, marking a new chapter for the historic watering hole. Since then, queues have regularly formed outside as visitors travel from far and wide to experience Clarkson’s latest countryside venture.

A Pub With Star Appeal

The Farmer’s Dog has already featured in the fourth series of Clarkson’s Farm, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of running a rural pub. That exposure has helped turn the venue into a must-visit destination — and celebrities appear to be just as curious as the public.

Among the music legends spotted there this year was John Coghlan, the former drummer of Status Quo. He was seen enjoying a relaxed visit with his wife and a friend, blending in with fellow patrons rather than making a spectacle of his appearance.

The pub also hosted an unexpected highlight over the summer when The Wurzels delivered a surprise performance. The band delighted customers by playing their famous hits The Combine Harvester and I Am a Cider Drinker, turning an ordinary afternoon into a memorable Cotswolds moment.

Social Media and TV Stars Join the Crowd

Music icons have not been the only familiar faces dropping by. Social media personality Big John also paid a visit earlier in the year. Known for his love of Chinese food and his trademark “bosh” catchphrase, Big John — whose real name is John Fisher — shared his experience with followers, adding to the pub’s online buzz.

Another notable visitor was Thomas Skinner, who rose to prominence on The Apprentice before expanding his profile through television appearances and social media. Skinner visited The Farmer’s Dog during a family trip to the Cotswolds in August, later posting photos from the outing that further fuelled interest in the pub.

Praise From a Rock Icon

The pub’s reputation continues to grow, even among those who have yet to visit. Dave Hill, guitarist of the legendary band Slade, recently spoke warmly about Clarkson and expressed interest in stopping by.

Speaking ahead of a Slade gig in Oxford on December 15, Hill described Clarkson as someone he would likely get along with, praising both his humour and his television work. He noted that watching Clarkson take on farming and countryside projects has been part of the appeal of Clarkson’s Farm, adding that the show works because viewers recognise the wit behind the chaos.

Hill suggested that, depending on his schedule after the concert, a visit to The Farmer’s Dog was entirely possible — although he admitted he would likely skip Clarkson’s Hawkstone lager in favour of a glass of wine.

A Cotswolds Hotspot in the Making

What sets The Farmer’s Dog apart is not just its celebrity owner, but the atmosphere it has cultivated. Despite the high-profile guests, the pub has retained the feel of a traditional village local, where famous names sit alongside regulars and visitors without fuss.

As Clarkson continues to balance farming, filming, and hospitality, his Cotswolds pub appears to be carving out a unique identity — part rural retreat, part cultural meeting point. With musicians, television personalities, and fans all passing through its doors, The Farmer’s Dog has already become more than a television curiosity. It is fast earning its place as one of the most distinctive pubs in the English countryside.