Jeremy Clarkson opens up on ‘bleak’ situation as he admits ‘things are pretty terrible’
Jeremy Clarkson Admits ‘Things Are Pretty Terrible’ for Pub Industry
Jeremy Clarkson has spoken candidly about what he describes as a “pretty terrible” outlook for the British pub industry, admitting that one of his newest business ventures is under significant pressure.
The former Top Gear and The Grand Tour presenter, who has recently found renewed popularity through Amazon Prime’s Clarkson’s Farm, says rising costs and new regulations are creating an increasingly bleak environment for hospitality businesses.
The Farmer’s Dog Faces Rising Costs
In 2024, Jeremy Clarkson opened The Farmer’s Dog, a countryside pub near Burford in Oxfordshire, intended to complement his Diddly Squat Farm enterprise.
However, Clarkson now says the financial realities of running the pub are becoming increasingly difficult. Writing in The Sunday Times, he warned that changes to business rates could see the pub’s rateable value rise from £27,250 to £55,000. When combined with recent National Insurance increases, Clarkson claims his wage bill has risen by around £42,000 per year.
While acknowledging that his situation is not as severe as some others in the sector, he admitted that conditions remain “pretty terrible”.
Warning from Fellow Celebrity Publicans
Clarkson compared his experience to that of celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, who has also publicly criticised rising business rates.
Kerridge has previously said that the rates on one of his restaurants could more than double, leading him to question whether it is worth remaining open at all. Clarkson said these examples highlight a wider crisis facing hospitality operators across the country.
Drink-Drive Rules and Customer Access Concerns
Clarkson also raised concerns about proposed changes to drink-driving regulations, suggesting they could further discourage customers from visiting pubs, particularly in rural areas.
He argued that higher household energy bills and stricter transport rules make it increasingly difficult for pubs to attract customers, leaving owners with few realistic options to offset rising costs.
Planning Win Offers Limited Relief
Despite the financial pressure, Clarkson recently secured a small victory after winning a planning dispute over parking at The Farmer’s Dog. West Oxfordshire District Council approved hard surfacing for the pub’s car parks, which provide around 170 parking spaces.
The council noted that off-road parking was necessary to reduce congestion and unsafe roadside parking along the A40 and nearby roads to Asthall. The pub has drawn large crowds since appearing on Clarkson’s Farm.
Clarkson purchased the five-acre site, formerly known as The Windmill, for £1 million in 2023.
Health Concerns and Personal Reflections
Alongside his business challenges, Clarkson has also shared personal reflections on his health. In a recent column, he revealed that medication he is taking is affecting his muscle mass, though he admitted he has been reluctant to take the steps needed to counteract the side effects.
Reflecting on New Year’s resolutions and lifestyle changes, Clarkson wrote that while people often understand what is good for them, many struggle to act on it consistently.
A Wider Warning for British Pubs
Clarkson’s comments echo growing concern within the hospitality industry, as pub owners warn that rising taxes, labour costs, and regulatory changes are pushing many businesses to breaking point.
While The Farmer’s Dog remains open, Clarkson’s message is clear: without meaningful change, the future for many British pubs looks increasingly uncertain.
