Jeremy Clarkson, the star of Clarkson's Farm, is reportedly facing legal action from a grandmother who claims she suffered serious injuries after a fall in the car park of his Farmer's Dog pub in Oxfordshire. The incident has sparked a lawsuit seeking damages, highlighting concerns over safety conditions at the popular venue.
Details of the Alleged Incident
Elizabeth Palmby, a 68-year-old NHS worker from Scunthorpe, visited the Farmer's Dog pub with her husband in November 2025. According to her account, the car park was a muddy field with unfixed aluminium sheets laid as makeshift walkways. She alleges that one of these sheets upturned, causing her to trip and fall, resulting in significant physical harm.
Ms Palmby described the event as happening in slow motion, with her feet slipping from under her. She reported the incident to staff before being driven to Whitney Community Hospital, where medical examinations revealed the extent of her injuries.
Injuries and Medical Treatment
The fall led to a deep, jagged cut on her hand, which required surgery to close after doctors removed a shard of metal. X-rays also showed broken ribs, adding to her pain and recovery time. Ms Palmby noted that the wound was initially obscured by mud, only becoming apparent at the hospital.
She has since returned to the pub to check for safety improvements but claims the car park conditions remained unchanged, with no warning signs about uneven surfaces. This has fueled her decision to pursue legal action against Clarkson.
Background on the Farmer's Dog Pub
The Farmer's Dog pub opened in August 2024 and quickly gained attention due to its chaotic launch, as documented on Clarkson's Farm. Clarkson himself described the opening weekend as a disaster, citing issues like inadequate facilities and overwhelming crowds. Despite early struggles, the pub has since become a hit with fans, though this lawsuit casts a shadow over its operations.
Planning permission for a permanent car park surface has been approved, but delays in implementation, including drainage work, have kept the temporary setup in place. This situation is now at the center of the legal dispute.
Legal and Safety Implications
Ms Palmby's claim alleges that the unsafe conditions in the car park led to her injuries, seeking compensation for damages. Representatives for Jeremy Clarkson and the pub have been contacted for comment, but no official response has been disclosed yet.
This case raises questions about liability and safety standards in hospitality businesses, especially those with high public foot traffic. It also adds to the ongoing narrative of challenges faced by Clarkson in his farming and pub ventures.
Broader Context and Public Reaction
Clarkson's popularity has soared since the debut of Clarkson's Farm in 2021, with viewers following his agricultural and entrepreneurial endeavors. However, incidents like this highlight the real-world risks associated with such ventures. Fans and critics alike are watching closely as the legal proceedings unfold.
The Mirror has reached out for further statements, but details remain limited. As the story develops, it underscores the importance of proper infrastructure and safety measures in business operations, particularly in rural settings where makeshift solutions may pose hazards.
