Richard Hammond Urged to ‘Buy a Pub!’ as Fans Push for Lake District Venture
Calls Grow for Hammond to Join Clarkson and May in the Pub Business
Richard Hammond is facing a new kind of pressure — not from cars, TV producers, or gravity — but from fans urging him to buy his own pub in the Lake District.
The suggestion came from YouTuber Gary Eats, who recently toured and reviewed pubs owned by Hammond’s former Top Gear co-stars, Jeremy Clarkson and James May.
Before the taste test even began, Gary turned to the camera with one message:
“Where’s Hammond? You’ve got to find a pub — you’ve got to buy a pub!”
Given that the Lake District is, in Hammond’s own words, his “favourite place in the world”, fans are now asking:
Could a Richard Hammond pub be next?
Only time will tell.
Hammond’s Lake District Links
Hammond is frequently spotted across Cumbria, grabbing lunch or enjoying quiet evenings out. Locals have seen him at:
- The Wild Duck, Branthwaite
- The Old Crown, Hesket Newmarket
His fondness for the region, paired with his easy-going personality, naturally fuels speculation — and now, the public nudging — toward opening his own pub.
YouTuber Puts May and Clarkson’s Pubs to the Test
Stop 1: James May’s Pub — The Swallowcliffe
Gary began his culinary comparison at James May’s pub, The Swallowcliffe, in Wiltshire.
His review was glowing:
- Service: “Absolutely brilliant.”
- Food: “Gorgeous.”
- Atmosphere: a quiet, traditional pub where “you could hear a pin drop.”
- Sticky toffee pudding: “Holy moly… that’s the way you do it!”
He ended the visit declaring:
“This is a beautiful pub. Absolutely bang on. Jeremy, you’re under pressure!”
Stop 2: Jeremy Clarkson’s Pub — The Farmer’s Dog
Next, he “whizzed over” to Oxfordshire to visit Jeremy Clarkson’s booming pub, The Farmer’s Dog — made famous in Clarkson’s Farm.
The car park alone told the story:
“Extremely busy… I want to get straight in there.”
Inside, he ordered the exact same dishes for a fair comparison — starter, steak, and house ale.
His verdict?
- Vibe: More modern than May’s traditional pub
- Starter: “Very good,” though May’s still won the round
- Main: “Super tender… bang on.”
In the end, James May edged out Clarkson by one single point: 47 to 46.
A friendly co-star pub rivalry — and now fans want Hammond to enter the ring.
Will Richard Hammond Open a Pub Next?
With May and Clarkson already in the pub business and fans loudly encouraging Hammond to follow, the pressure is mounting.
A Lake District pub run by Richard Hammond?
The internet would absolutely meltdown.
