Jeremy Clarkson has been forced to close his restaurant on Diddly Squat Farm in the Cotswolds after West Oxfordshire District Council served an enforcement notice, according to reports. The former Top Gear presenter opened the eatery in a farmyard barn last July, following the success of his Amazon series 'Clarkson's Farm'.
Local residents in Chadlington, Oxfordshire, had complained that the restaurant caused heavy disruption and traffic jams, describing it as a 'nightmare' and out of keeping with the quiet rural surroundings. Clarkson had previously branded objectors the 'red trouser brigade' and managed to open the restaurant via what he called a 'delightful little loophole' in planning laws.
The closure is a blow to Clarkson, whose farm recorded its best year yet in 2022, with assets of £1.34 million and 17 employees. In 2021, the business had just £44,000 in assets and six employees. The restaurant's closure may dent profits ahead of the second season premiere of his hit Amazon show.
One resident told the Mirror: 'It is a win for the community. I would like the whole thing shut down. We are just a small village and Diddly Squat Farm is in the wrong place.' Another added: 'We have been plagued with traffic since he arrived. It's just the arrogance of what he thinks he can get away with.'
However, some visitors expressed disappointment. Engineer Grant Filer, 60, said: 'We rode down from Oxford after work so it is disappointing. I don't think they should be closing it as I am sure it would be very popular.' Energy company boss Dan Duffy, 36, added: 'I feel sorry for him facing all these rules. They don't make it easy for business people in this country.'
MailOnline has approached Jeremy Clarkson, West Oxfordshire District Council and Diddly Squat Farm for comment.
