Jeremy Clarkson, the outspoken TV presenter and pub owner, has once again found himself at the centre of controversy. This time, it's over his decision to ban ketchup at his Cotswolds pub, The Hawkstone. The move has drawn sharp criticism from farmers and dog owners alike.
Why the Ban?
Clarkson, known for his unfiltered opinions, took to social media to explain his reasoning. He claimed that ketchup masks the natural flavours of high-quality British produce, particularly the meat served at his establishment. However, farmers argue that his stance undermines their hard work, as many of them supply the very ingredients used in ketchup production.
Dog Owners Join the Outrage
Adding fuel to the fire, Clarkson also joked about refusing entry to dogs unless they could prove they weren’t named after condiments. This tongue-in-cheek remark didn’t sit well with pet owners, who accused him of alienating a loyal customer base.
Public Reaction
The backlash has been swift, with many taking to social media to voice their displeasure. Some have even threatened to boycott the pub, while others have mocked Clarkson’s attempt at culinary elitism. Despite the uproar, Clarkson remains unapologetic, doubling down on his stance in typical fashion.
Whether this controversy will hurt business or simply add to Clarkson’s notoriety remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the debate over ketchup—and dogs—is far from over.
