Jeremy Clarkson has hinted at plans to open another pub outside the UK, a move an opinion piece argues could damage his finances and his relationship with his fanbase. The former Top Gear host made the remarks during an appearance at the Conservative conference in Birmingham this week.
Clarkson's Pub Plans Revealed
At the conference on Monday, October 5, the 66-year-old appeared alongside land agent Charlie Ireland to discuss expanding his business. Shadow Environment Secretary Victoria Atkins asked whether he would consider opening a pub in her constituency of Louth and Horncastle in Lincolnshire.
Clarkson responded: "It's funny you should say that. I'm looking quite hard into the possibility of opening another pub. But I can give you a little piece of information right now, it's not going to be in the UK."
Concerns Over Replication
The opinion piece suggests that pubs are uniquely British and may not work elsewhere, citing issues like heat affecting traditional roasts and the risk of being seen as a gimmick. It also notes that Clarkson reportedly spent "less than £1million" on The Windmill before transforming it into The Farmer's Dog, a successful venture celebrating English-only produce.
The piece argues that replicating this abroad could be costly, especially with post-Brexit taxes, and would undermine the values of The Farmer's Dog, which champions British farmers. It questions how he would source produce and staff in another country.
Clarkson's Response
When asked why he has no plans to buy another pub in the UK, Clarkson replied: "Why would anyone set up a business in this country right now? You go and find a country where you go, 'That's a good one, that will employ people and that will be good for farming and what have you'. We'll see if we can do it abroad somewhere. I probably won't, but I'm dreaming of it."
The opinion concludes that abandoning his UK-focused approach for an overseas venture could be a mistake, potentially alienating his fanbase and harming his business empire.
