Jeremy Clarkson’s ‘Baffling’ Change at His Cotswolds Pub Leaves Fans Divided

A Farmer-Turned-Publican

Jeremy Clarkson, once best known for his high-octane adventures on Top Gear and The Grand Tour, has spent the past few years building a second reputation: farmer, brewer, and now publican. His transformation from motoring journalist to agricultural entrepreneur has been well-documented in the hit series Clarkson’s Farm, where fans have watched him struggle and succeed on his Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire.

In 2023, Clarkson expanded his rural empire by purchasing The Windmill, a traditional Cotswolds pub in Asthall near Burford, for around £1 million. After a year of significant renovations, rebranding, and restyling, the pub reopened in August 2024 under a new name: The Farmer’s Dog.

The reimagined venue quickly drew crowds of locals and tourists alike. With its rustic charm, hearty meals, and plentiful supply of Clarkson’s own Hawkstone beers and ciders, the boozer established itself as a destination spot in the county. But this September, a sudden change inside the pub has left many scratching their heads.

First Impressions: The Farmer’s Dog Experience

Walking into The Farmer’s Dog, visitors are usually greeted with a blend of modern eccentricity and countryside comfort. To the left of the entrance sits the main bar, stocked with Hawkstone lager, IPA, cider, and stout. Suspended from the ceiling is a striking feature: a large tractor, a nod to Clarkson’s farming persona and a talking point for curious customers.

Nearby, a piano and cosy seating area usually provide a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Plush red sofas and armchairs traditionally lined this space, making it one of the pub’s most inviting corners—perfect for sipping a pint beside friends or family. Beyond that, the restaurant area stretches out towards the back, while a terrace and an upstairs dining room offer further options for guests.

But during a recent visit on Saturday, September 27, 2025, that familiar warmth was noticeably absent.

A Baffling Switch-Up

Instead of the well-loved sofas, customers were greeted by a row of dining tables. All the comfy seating had been moved outside onto the terrace, leaving the indoor area transformed into a more formal dining zone.

The change wasn’t just a one-off observation. Photos and clips shared on the pub’s own Instagram account confirmed the switch-up, though no explanation was given as to whether it was temporary or permanent.

For semi-regulars, the move was confusing. One visitor described it as “baffling”, questioning why Clarkson and his team would remove the indoor comfort area—arguably one of the pub’s strongest attractions—just as the colder weather was setting in.

Atmosphere Lost in Translation?

The cosy ambience created by the sofas and soft seating had been a key part of The Farmer’s Dog experience. With autumn temperatures already dropping, the idea of pushing patrons outdoors onto the terrace seemed impractical. Customers found themselves sipping pints in the chill, bundled up against the wind rather than basking in the pub’s trademark warmth.

One regular commented that the sofas made the pub feel different from others in the region: not just a restaurant or dining spot, but a place to linger with a drink and conversation. Removing them risks blurring the line between a traditional country pub and a more conventional eatery.

Clarkson’s Pub Strategy

Of course, Clarkson has never shied away from making bold or controversial decisions, whether on television or in business. His decision to buy The Windmill and relaunch it as The Farmer’s Dog was itself a gamble. He faced planning disputes when opening the Diddly Squat Farm Shop and endured challenges with local authorities. Yet, in each case, controversy has only seemed to fuel public interest.

The reconfiguration of The Farmer’s Dog may be part of a larger strategy: perhaps an attempt to increase dining capacity as the pub grows in popularity, or to shift focus towards food service as much as drink. With Hawkstone beer already available in supermarkets and online, Clarkson may see the pub as an opportunity to showcase his kitchen as well as his brewery.

Still, the lack of explanation has left fans puzzled. Unlike changes to a menu or a new seasonal beer release, rearranging the entire seating area alters the DNA of the pub experience itself.

Fan Reactions: Curiosity and Criticism

Reactions online have been mixed. Some patrons shrugged it off as a harmless experiment, while others lamented the loss of the pub’s most welcoming feature. “It was one of the best bits of the place,” one fan wrote, echoing the sense that the sofas gave The Farmer’s Dog its distinctive charm.

Others speculated whether the change was seasonal—perhaps part of a temporary reshuffle for events, or even a trial to test demand for indoor dining versus drinking space. Yet the timing, on the cusp of winter, raised eyebrows.

The Future of The Farmer’s Dog

Whether the sofas return or not, Clarkson’s pub remains a talking point. As with his farm shop, any change—no matter how small—seems to spark media attention and fan debate. In the world of Clarkson, controversy is often part of the brand.

For now, visitors will have to accept the new layout and hope for clearer answers in the coming weeks. One thing is certain: The Farmer’s Dog is far from your typical Cotswolds pub. Just as Clarkson has reinvented himself as a farmer, he seems intent on reinventing the pub experience too—even if it means leaving customers a little baffled along the way.