Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has reportedly introduced some rather unusual restrictions at his Cotswolds pub, The Farmer’s Dog. Customers visiting the establishment may find themselves unable to order three surprisingly common items: coffee, lemonade, and ketchup.
The revelation comes from a Birmingham Live reporter who visited the Oxfordshire pub—originally known as The Windmill—for a Sunday roast. According to their account, a sign outside the pub makes it clear that coffee and ketchup are not on the menu, and even those hoping for a simple cider shandy will be left disappointed due to the absence of lemonade.
“You can’t have coffee, ketchup or lemonade – there’s a sign outside the pub explaining they don’t serve coffee or ketchup,” the reporter said.
During the visit, a neighbouring table asked for a latte, only to be politely refused. Meanwhile, the reporter’s own request for a cider shandy was declined because the pub does not serve lemonade—a key ingredient in the popular mixed drink.
Strict time limits for diners
The Clarkson’s Farm star appears to have imposed more than just menu restrictions. Customers dining at The Farmer’s Dog must adhere to a strict time limit, with tables only available for one-hour slots.
“We were advised that we could have a table from 12-1pm, which seemed a bit rushed, but with hindsight, it was plenty of time and felt relaxed,” the reporter wrote.
Despite the strict timing, the meal itself was reportedly a positive experience. The Sunday roast and pudding cost £32.50, with the journalist describing the service as friendly and the atmosphere as busy but not overcrowded.
Clarkson’s pub attracts celebrity visitors
Since acquiring and reopening the pub in August last year, Clarkson has drawn a notable clientele. One particularly high-profile visitor was US talk show legend Ellen DeGeneres, who relocated to the Cotswolds in November with her wife, Portia de Rossi.
Clarkson himself confirmed the visit, saying that the former Ellen DeGeneres Show host was “very friendly” and “lovely” to his staff.
“She lives in the village where our pub is. Absolutely I welcome them all,” Clarkson told The Mirror.
“Everyone said she has been cancelled, but she seemed nice when she came to the pub. The staff said she was very friendly and lovely. I am not going to believe what I read online. She seemed lovely.”
More Read
DeGeneres, 66, moved to Oxfordshire after deciding to leave the United States, reportedly following Donald Trump’s election as President.
Pub challenges and clarkson’s ongoing struggles
While Clarkson’s pub may be attracting celebrity visitors, the outspoken presenter has previously admitted that running the establishment has been far from smooth sailing.
In a column for The Times last December, Clarkson described the pub as a “total disaster”, citing theft, excessive parking charges, and toilet mishaps as major problems.
One of the most significant financial burdens comes from parking and traffic control. According to Clarkson, he is forced to spend a staggering £27,000 per month just to employ parking and traffic marshals, ensuring the local council remains satisfied.
“We have to pay £27,000 a month on parking and traffic marshals to keep the council off our back,” he wrote.
Despite these challenges, The Farmer’s Dog continues to attract attention, thanks in no small part to Clarkson’s infamous personality and the unique quirks that define his latest business venture. Whether the bans on coffee, ketchup, and lemonade are a marketing ploy or simply a matter of personal taste remains unclear—but for now, visitors to Clarkson’s pub should be prepared for an experience as unconventional as the man himself.
