Music Legends and Familiar Faces Gather at Jeremy Clarkson’s Cotswolds Pub
A New Landmark in Rural Oxfordshire
Over the past year, The Farmer’s Dog has quietly established itself as more than just a countryside pub. Nestled in the village of Asthall, the venue has become a notable social hub, drawing visitors from across the UK — including a growing list of well-known names from music, television, and social media.
The pub was purchased in 2024 by television presenter Jeremy Clarkson for around £1 million. Formerly known as The Windmill, the building underwent an extensive renovation before reopening under its new name in August 2024. Since then, it has attracted steady crowds curious to see Clarkson’s latest venture beyond farming and broadcasting.
From Television Set to Public Bar
The Farmer’s Dog gained early attention after featuring in the fourth series of Clarkson’s Farm. Viewers watched as Clarkson navigated the challenges of launching a rural pub, from supply issues to staffing and menu planning. The exposure brought national interest, with fans soon making pilgrimages to the Oxfordshire countryside to experience the pub for themselves.
While the initial rush was driven by television fame, the pub has since settled into a rhythm as a working local. Its food-focused approach, emphasis on British produce, and informal atmosphere have helped it appeal not only to tourists, but also to industry figures seeking a low-key escape from city life.
Rock Royalty and Surprise Performances
Among the most talked-about visitors this year was John Coghlan, drummer for Status Quo, who was spotted enjoying a drink with his wife and a friend. His visit added to growing speculation that The Farmer’s Dog was becoming a discreet meeting place for musicians.
That impression was reinforced during the summer when The Wurzels delivered a surprise performance at the pub. The West Country band performed crowd favourites including The Combine Harvester and I Am a Cider Drinker, turning an ordinary afternoon into an impromptu live music event. For many customers, the unannounced set became a highlight of their visit.
Social Media Figures Join the Crowd
Music stars have not been the only recognisable faces passing through Asthall. Social media personality Big John — real name John Fisher — visited the pub in May. The 51-year-old rose to prominence online through food-focused videos and his trademark “bosh” catchphrase, becoming a viral figure across multiple platforms.
Also seen at the pub was Thomas Skinner, a former contestant on The Apprentice. Skinner, now a successful online personality, shared photos from a family trip to the Cotswolds during August, including a visit to The Farmer’s Dog. He later appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2025, further boosting his public profile.
Interest from the Wider Music World
The pub’s reputation has extended even to artists who have yet to visit. Dave Hill, guitarist for Slade, recently expressed an interest in stopping by. Speaking ahead of Slade’s December concert in Oxford, Hill praised Clarkson’s humour and career.
He described Clarkson as “very clever,” highlighting his long-running success on Top Gear and The Grand Tour. Hill also noted the appeal of watching Clarkson tackle farm life and hospitality on screen, suggesting the presenter understands exactly how to entertain audiences while appearing deliberately out of his comfort zone.
A Growing Reputation
As The Farmer’s Dog approaches the end of its first full year under Clarkson’s ownership, it has developed a distinct identity. What began as a television storyline has evolved into a functioning rural pub with a national profile, attracting both loyal locals and unexpected celebrity guests.
With musicians, media personalities, and fans continuing to pass through its doors, The Farmer’s Dog is steadily building a reputation as one of the Cotswolds’ most talked-about new venues — a place where countryside tradition meets modern celebrity culture.
