Major fears as Jeremy Clarkson’s new pub is set to open to the public tomorrow

Jeremy Clarkson’s new pub is set to welcome in the public tomorrow (23 August) but there are some major fears over its opening.

Having previously asked for urgent help in preparation of The Farmer’s Dog opening its doors, the former Top Gear host has regularly faced push back from locals as he continues attempts to expand his Diddly Squat farm project.

Based in Asthall, near Burford in Oxfordshire, his ‘less than £1 million’ pub is around 20 minutes from his famed farm and will allow him to sell produce there - as well as his Hawkstone lager and cider, obviously.

As fans of Clarkson’s Farm will know, the 64-year-old has faced his share of problems and downfalls with the project.

And despite plenty of excitement around the opening of The Farmer’s Dog this bank holiday weekend, some have concerns about traffic problems.

“I’m delighted he’s [Clarkson] breathing some new life into that pub,” one resident posted on Facebook.

“I do worry about traffic though. I popped by the farm shop at the weekend. It was utter chaos. The massive new car park was rammed as well as a new overflow one they have made in a field across the road.

“We didn’t stop as the marshals in hi viz told us the queue was over two hours. I’ve been before on a busy day, but this was insane.”

And another suggested: “Might need three lanes on the A40 for the queuing cars and parked cars,” as a large marquee has already been put up on the pub grounds of the five-acre site.

But it seems like plenty of measures have been taken to minimise these problems with the pub set to open at midday tomorrow.

Oxfordshire County Council said it has worked ‘closely and pro-actively’ with Clarkson’s team.

“Several measures have been taken to reduce the likelihood of traffic and parking related problems, and to support the safe and successful opening of the site,” a council spokesperson said.

“Footway improvements have been made to better link the existing adjacent bus stops on the B4047 with the site of the pub to provide a safe and more sustainable option for those visitors that are able to take advantage of the hourly bus service, but whom might otherwise have travelled by car.

“Whilst double yellow lines are not currently being considered at this time, measures have been taken to highlight the inappropriateness of parking on highway verges in the area, and to deter the same.”

It added that ‘parking will be monitored’ and if needs be, ‘controls may be imposed in the future’.

A lay-by opposite will also be ‘temporarily closed’ for safety and ‘consideration is being given’ to a reduction of the speed limit.

Well, down The Farmer’s Dog for a pint this weekend lads? If you can get in that is.