Customer Slams Jeremy Clarkson's Pub Over Disappointing Birthday Celebration
A diner who visited Jeremy Clarkson's The Farmer's Dog pub in Oxfordshire for a 30th birthday celebration has vowed never to return after a highly disappointing experience. The former Top Gear presenter launched the establishment in 2024, with its transformation documented on his Amazon Prime Video series Clarkson's Farm.
Since opening, the venue has attracted thousands of fans from the show, but it has also faced a string of critical reviews. Patrons have compared the pub to a fast food chain and complained that the service resembles a "production line."
Scathing Tripadvisor Review Details the Letdown
Writing on Tripadvisor, the customer who booked the birthday meal stated: "No ambience, felt like a production line, head em up, move em out, was like being served by robots." They added that there was no acknowledgement of the birthday despite mentioning it when booking, calling it "really disappointing for a special birthday" and a "let down."
The reviewer further criticised: "Won't be returning or recommending like I have in the past. This was like going to a cafe or McDonald's - in fact I've probably sat longer in a fast food outlet than here for a special meal."
Other Negative Feedback Highlights Issues
Other patrons have echoed similar complaints. One critic commented: "Over £25 for a pie? Rip off. Without the star name it would be only a nice pub." Another reviewer criticised the cashless payment system, writing: "Lovely place but doesn't support the British pound, as in card only, disappointing."
A further diner advised others to "save their money" by avoiding the establishment, detailing: "Both ordered pork and it arrived in less than 10 minutes (not a good sign) and was nearly cold, meat was so dry, the singular carrot was hardly cooked, potatoes like mush and Yorkshire pudding so dry it was crumbling." They noted there was no crackling as promised on the menu and that staff did not ask if they enjoyed the food, concluding: "It seems they value churning food out, over any sort of quality. Really disappointing."
Positive Reviews Offer a Contrast
Despite the negative feedback, some patrons have been thoroughly impressed by the location. One enthused: "For our mains two of us had the sausage and mash and they were some of the best sausages we have eaten. The mash was smooth, light and delicious." They added that the steak pie was "full of meat and gravy and again extremely tasty," feeling it was "well worth the money" for fresh, local produce.
Another visitor noted: "My partner and I had booked The Farmers dog, of course because of the TV show. I was a little apprehensive as with somewhere so hyped there's always the chance it will be terrible in reality. I needn't have worried." They praised the well-stocked Grand Tour tent/shop and friendly staff.
Representatives for Jeremy Clarkson have been contacted for a response regarding the criticisms.
