Inside Clarkson’s Cotswolds Chaos: The Hidden Problems Behind His Farm and Pub Empire
Jeremy Clarkson’s seven ‘disastrous’ struggles at Diddy Squat and The Farmer’s Dog
Jeremy Clarkson has faced a wave of problems running both Diddly Squat Farm and his Cotswolds pub, The Farmer’s Dog, from planning battles and staff walkouts to thefts and soaring costs
Everything you need to know about Jeremy Clarkson’s struggles while running Diddly Squat Farm and The Farmer’s Dog pub
- Planning disputes at Diddly Squat Farm: In 2022, Clarkson faced legal challenges when he attempted to open a café/restaurant on the farm, with West Oxfordshire District Council arguing it breached planning rules. He was eventually ordered to shut the dining area and remove its furniture following an enforcement notice.
- Issues before opening The Farmer’s Dog: The pub’s launch in August 2024 was hindered by major infrastructure and utility failures, including insufficient water, electricity, and heating. These problems made running a fully functioning kitchen and bar almost impossible.
- Staff shortages and turnover: Clarkson’s pub opening was hit by staff walkouts, a chaotic situation shown in the season four finale of Clarkson’s Farm. In a conversation with Charlie Ireland, he admitted: “We’ve lost two waitresses. We lost a pot washer. After one day.”
- Customers stealing from the pub: Clarkson publicly condemned more than 100 customers for “extraordinary stealing” at The Farmer’s Dog. He said: “People seem to have it in their heads that if they come in for a pint they are entitled to go home with the glass in which it was served.”
- Health issues while running his businesses: In October 2024, Clarkson underwent a heart procedure after experiencing a sudden decline in his health, including chest tightness, clamminess, and pins and needles in his left arm. Doctors fitted him with a stent after discovering a blocked artery.
- Frustrations with customers’ cleanliness: Clarkson has complained about the “baffling” toilet habits of customers at his pub, expressing frustration with patrons who somehow miss the bowl entirely. He says some issues — like bathroom misuse — are impossible to manage due to privacy restrictions.
- Financial struggles: By December 2024, Clarkson admitted his Cotswolds pub was facing serious financial difficulties and called it “a total disaster,” blaming thefts, soaring energy bills, and overwhelming operating costs. Despite its popularity, the pub was performing worse than Diddly Squat Farm, including £27,000 a month spent on parking and traffic marshals.
