It’s been a year since Jeremy Clarkson, the TV presenter turned farmer, officially opened the doors of his Oxfordshire pub, The Farmer’s Dog. Despite critics and skeptics, the pub has become a runaway success—and fans of Clarkson’s Farm are still queuing in droves to get a taste of what the controversial star has built.

A Year of Buzz That Hasn’t Faded

When Clarkson announced he was opening a pub, demand skyrocketed before a single pint had been poured. Hundreds queued for hours at its launch in August 2023, eager to be among the first to step inside. A year later, little has changed. On a typical Thursday, visitors begin arriving by 11 a.m., and by 11:30 a queue snakes out the front door, ready for the pub’s midday opening.

Even with the Cotswolds already brimming with tourist-friendly eateries and charming pubs, The Farmer’s Dog stands out. For many, it’s not just a place to eat and drink—it’s an extension of Clarkson’s agricultural experiment at Diddly Squat Farm, a rare chance to see up close the man who turned his farming misadventures into a hit Amazon Prime show.

Pilgrimages From Near and Far

The pub has become a destination in its own right. Visitors often travel from far beyond Oxfordshire, with some saying they planned their entire trip around the possibility of getting inside. Reece Evans, 46, visiting from Australia while staying with family in Hereford, admitted he couldn’t resist sneaking a trip to the pub with his son, Arron.

“I’d heard all about it since it opened,” Evans explained. “We came early and managed to beat the worst of the queue—only about a half-hour wait. But booking? Forget it. The place is packed out for weeks. Still, I had to try the Hawkstone beer.”

The pair sampled the popular Wildflower lager and cider, brewed under Clarkson’s Hawkstone brand, and walked away impressed. Evans only had one complaint: “Maybe Clarkson should think about a bigger car park.”

An Atmosphere Like a Festival

That sense of overcrowding is common. Families arriving behind us joked it felt more like heading to a festival than to a village pub. While many couldn’t get a sit-down meal without booking months in advance, the outdoor terrace provided plenty of atmosphere. Some opted to grab food from The Farmer’s Puppy, a spin-off kitchen that caters to walk-in guests who can’t get a restaurant reservation.

Julie and Adrian Gallagher, from Sutton Coldfield, had been trying—and failing—for months to secure a table. Julie said she checks the pub’s website regularly but without luck. “The food looks incredible, so I’ll just keep trying,” she laughed.

In the meantime, they enjoyed drinks on the terrace, overlooking the rolling Cotswolds countryside. “It’s a beautiful setting,” Julie added. Adrian, who admitted he wasn’t always a fan of Clarkson, said the experience had changed his perspective. “He’s divisive, but I admire how he’s championed British farmers. That’s the reason we wanted to come.”

The Price of Popularity

Of course, demand this high comes with trade-offs. Some visitors grumbled about long queues at the bar—up to half an hour at times—while others pointed out the steep prices. A steak meal in particular drew criticism online in late 2023 for costing more than at some nearby pubs.

Still, customers seem willing to pay for the experience. Starters like smoked Bibury trout pâté or breaded Bath soft brie cost between £9.50 and £11. Mains such as gammon steak or classic steak pie range from £20 to £24. Desserts include everything from a cheese board to rhubarb crumble cake, priced £5 to £14.

For many, the cost is worth it—not just for the food, but for the bragging rights of having dined at Clarkson’s pub.

A Pub That’s More Than a Pub

The Farmer’s Dog has grown into more than just a drinking spot. It’s a living extension of Clarkson’s farming ethos—one that promotes local produce and champions small-scale suppliers. Many visitors leave not only with memories but also with bags of sausages, butter, or mayo sourced directly from Clarkson’s farm shop.

Bristol-based fan Mark Collard was already planning his return visit. “I couldn’t get a reservation this time, but I’ll book months in advance for my birthday in December,” he said. “Clarkson’s a man’s man—he speaks his mind. I’ve always respected that.”

The Verdict After a Year

One year in, The Farmer’s Dog is still drawing huge crowds, delighting fans, and frustrating those who can’t snag a booking. Whether visitors come out of admiration for Clarkson, curiosity from Clarkson’s Farm, or simply to enjoy a pint of Hawkstone beer, the verdict is clear: the pub has defied expectations.

Yes, it’s pricey. Yes, it’s overcrowded. But Clarkson’s fans don’t seem to care. If anything, the buzz has only grown, with many already planning their next trip months in advance.

As one visitor put it on their way out: “It’s more than a pub—it’s a phenomenon.”