Ricky Gervais Takes a Cheeky Swipe at Jeremy Clarkson After Launching His Own UK-Farming–Backed Vodka

A New Celebrity Clash in Britain’s Booming Craft Drinks Scene

Ricky Gervais has taken a playful jab at Jeremy Clarkson after promoting his new British-made vodka on social media. What began as lighthearted branding soon turned into a humorous exchange between two of the UK’s most recognizable personalities — and fans absolutely loved it.

Clarkson: From Cars to Cows and Craft Beer

Jeremy Clarkson, now 65, has shifted from roaring engines to rural life. His hit Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm turned him into an unexpected ambassador for British agriculture.
Along the way, he launched Hawkstone Brewery, a drinks brand that uses barley from his Diddly Squat Farm — though not without mishaps, including the infamous exploding bottles of cider incident.

Clarkson’s farming pivot has made him a central figure in the UK’s agricultural spotlight. But he’s not the only celebrity exploring new ventures rooted in British produce.

Ricky Gervais Enters the Market with Dutch Barn Vodka

Gervais, known for The Office and his razor-sharp humor, announced last year that he had become co-owner of Ellers Farm Distillery — a North Yorkshire operation using only homegrown British ingredients.
His vodka brand made headlines again recently after ads were banned from the London Underground, prompting an expletive-filled reaction from the comedian.

Promoting the spirit on X (formerly Twitter), Gervais wrote:
“Treat yourself to some Dutch Barn Vodka. It also helps donkeys. And they never hurt anyone.”

James May Joins the Banter — and Accidentally Sparks a Dig at Clarkson

James May, Clarkson’s longtime co-star from Top Gear and The Grand Tour, chimed in with humor:
“I love donkeys, but one bit me when I was eight. But you do you. — James Gin.”

His comment opened the door for Gervais’s now-viral swipe at Clarkson.
Gervais replied:
“Maybe it was hungry. Clarkson actually punched someone in the face when he was peckish.”

The joke referenced Clarkson’s infamous 2015 altercation with producer Oisín Tymon — the incident that ultimately led to his exit from Top Gear.

Fans React: “What a Time to Be Alive”

Social media quickly erupted with excitement as fans celebrated the unexpected comedy–farm–alcohol crossover.

One fan wrote:
“This is like Hemingway tweeting Bukowski about booze!”
Another joked:
“My two best friends arguing at a party — one drinking gin, one vodka.”

A Tale of Three Drinks — and Three Very Different Careers

• Clarkson is thriving in the farming world, with global fame from Clarkson’s Farm.
• May is growing his gin brand and still charming fans with his gentle humor.
• Gervais is pushing a sustainability-driven vodka made entirely from British apples.

Though their new business paths differ, their online interactions show one thing:
British celebrity banter is alive, well, and more entertaining than ever.