Jeremy Clarkson’s Cotswolds Pub Leaves Fans Baffled After Surprising Change

Jeremy Clarkson has never been one to shy away from making bold and sometimes baffling decisions. From farming experiments that left viewers laughing in disbelief to unexpected ventures into beer brewing, the former Top Gear star is known for keeping fans guessing. Now, his Cotswolds pub, The Farmer’s Dog—formerly The Windmill—has become the latest place where Clarkson’s unconventional touch has stirred debate.

A Pub With a Clarkson Twist

Located in Asthall near Burford, The Farmer’s Dog was purchased by Clarkson in 2023 for around £1 million. After a year of extensive renovations and Clarkson-style redecoration, the pub officially reopened its doors to the public in August 2024.

True to form, it wasn’t just another country boozer. Clarkson infused it with character, charm, and a heavy dose of his farming empire. Inside, guests were greeted by a giant tractor suspended from the ceiling, a quirky piano in the corner, and warm, comfortable seating that made it a welcoming stop for both locals and tourists.

Of course, no Clarkson project would be complete without Hawkstone, his own alcohol brand. The bar proudly serves Hawkstone lager, cider, IPA, and stout—making it not just a pub, but an extension of Clarkson’s ever-growing drinks business.

The Farmer’s Dog even became a central focus in Clarkson’s Farm season four on Prime Video, further cementing its reputation as more than just a place to grab a pint. For fans of the show, visiting the pub became almost like stepping onto the set of Clarkson’s countryside life.

A Surprising Switch

Yet for those who have visited more than once, a recent change has left some scratching their heads. On a visit over the weekend, one regular noticed something very different about the layout.

Where once there had been cozy red sofas and armchairs—the heart of the pub’s drinking area—there were now rows of dining tables. The sofas, it seemed, had been relocated outside to the terrace.

This wasn’t just a small tweak in furniture arrangement. For many, those sofas represented one of the pub’s best features: a warm, inviting space to sink into with a pint of Hawkstone, especially as the colder weather approached.

The change was confirmed by photos and clips posted on The Farmer’s Dog Instagram account, though no official explanation was offered. Was this simply a temporary adjustment? Or had Clarkson decided to reinvent the space altogether?

Fans Divided Over the Decision

For semi-regulars and first-time visitors alike, the move has sparked debate. On one hand, replacing sofas with dining tables could signal a stronger focus on food service. With Clarkson’s pub attracting not only locals but also tourists drawn by his celebrity status, the demand for meals may have outweighed the need for casual drinking spots.

On the other hand, many argue that the pub’s charm lay in its cozy ambience. The soft lighting, rustic design, and welcoming sofas offered an atmosphere that set it apart from standard restaurants. Forcing drinkers outside in the chilly Cotswolds weather, especially in late September, seems counterintuitive—unless Clarkson has yet another trick up his sleeve.

Clarkson Being Clarkson

Of course, unpredictability is part of Clarkson’s brand. His ventures into farming, brewing, and now the pub trade have been anything but straightforward. He has always pushed boundaries, sometimes frustratingly so, but more often in ways that spark conversation and intrigue.

Whether this change at The Farmer’s Dog is permanent or just a seasonal experiment, one thing is certain: it has people talking. And if there’s one thing Clarkson knows how to do, it’s keep his audience engaged.

As winter sets in across the Cotswolds, the big question remains: will the sofas return to their rightful place by the fire, or will Clarkson double down on his new dining-focused vision? For now, fans can only speculate—preferably over a pint of Hawkstone, whether indoors or out in the cold.