Marco Pierre White Gives His Verdict on Clarkson’s “Total Disaster” Pub

Celebrity chef Marco Pierre White has given a surprising thumbs-up to Jeremy Clarkson’s struggling Cotswolds pub — even as the TV star admits the business is costing him a “fortune” and causing major stress behind the scenes.

Clarkson’s Pub Dream Turns Into a Financial Nightmare

Jeremy Clarkson, 65, known for Top Gear, The Grand Tour, and Clarkson’s Farm, expanded his rural empire last year by purchasing The Windmill in Asthall, Oxfordshire, for around £1 million. After a full renovation, he reopened it in August 2024 under a new name: The Farmer’s Dog.

But despite packed tables and happy staff, Clarkson says the pub is financially bleeding.

In his new book Diddly Squat: The Farmer’s Dog, released last month, he writes bluntly:

“Behind the scenes, everything is a total disaster.”

He explains the venue is losing money at a shocking rate — so much so that he jokes it may give him a stress-induced skin condition.

Staff Are Thriving — Even If the Finances Aren’t

Clarkson insists the atmosphere inside the pub remains excellent.

“The staff are friendly and young and happy. It’s warm, there’s a fire, it’s a proper traditional pub.”

But he follows up with the grim reality:

“You’ll love it… and I’ll lose a fortune.”

It’s a stark contrast to the warm public reception the venue has received and highlights the financial strain many modern pubs face due to staffing, energy costs, and rural overheads.

Marco Pierre White Is “Bowled Over”

One of Clarkson’s more unexpected revelations is that he recently hosted “a top chef” at the pub:

“I won’t say who, just that his name begins with an M and ends with ‘arco Pierre White’.”

The legendary chef was “bowled over” by the quality of the food — high praise from one of Britain’s most respected culinary figures.

Clarkson frames the moment as proof that even though the pub is an economic catastrophe, it is at least producing excellent hospitality and standout cuisine.

A Traditional Pub, Modern Problems

According to Clarkson, The Farmer’s Dog embodies the classic British pub spirit — open fires, hearty dishes, and cheerful staff — but the financials tell a harsher story.

The admission follows previous comments from Clarkson about theft, rising costs, and staffing challenges at the venue. Despite the crowd-pleasing charm of the pub, he says the numbers simply don’t add up.

Still, with Marco Pierre White praising the food and locals flocking through the doors, Clarkson insists he has no regrets — even if his bank account does.