F1 photographer Kym Illman has shared what it was like hosting Jeremy Clarkson and James May at his beachfront property in Lancelin, Australia. The duo rented the house while filming a 2012 episode of Top Gear, and Illman moved out for the weekend to accommodate them.
Behind the Scenes with Top Gear Stars
Illman, a well-known content creator for Formula One, recalled the experience: "He [Jeremy] and James May were in Australia doing a Top Gear tour, and they decided they wanted to rent my house in Lancelin, so I moved out for the weekend." He added, "They loved the place. Of course, it's a small country town, there was no one around, and we got to have lunch with him one day. Stellar experience."
The stay happened while Clarkson and May were in town to shoot a 2012 episode of the hit show, which was part of a Top Gear Live tour.
Visit to Clarkson's Pub
In the years since, Illman has reunited with Clarkson and recently photographed him and his girlfriend, Lisa Hogan, at the British Grand Prix in July. He also paid a visit to Clarkson's pub, The Farmer's Dog, in Burford, Oxfordshire, and shared his review in a YouTube vlog and on his blog.
Despite the headlines, Illman found the pub charming: "Given all the headlines, you might expect the place to feel slick, commercial, or overly polished. It doesn't. The atmosphere is much more charming than that. Warm local service, friendly staff, rustic interiors, and a distinctly British character run through the whole place."
Addressing criticism of the menu's price, Illman agreed it was expensive but not unfair. He raved: "The food was the best lunch I've had in Britain. The service was warm. The atmosphere was charming. The sourcing philosophy was admirable. The connection to British farming was more than just a slogan. And the wider experience, including the grounds, bar, shop elements, and sheer energy of the place, made it feel like a genuine destination rather than a hollow celebrity venture."
