Why Jeremy Clarkson's pub costs so much after customer's receipt divides fans
The cost of Jeremy Clarkson’s pub has become a talking point once again after a customer’s receipt from a Sunday roast trip left fans divided.
The Farmer’s Dog, Clarkson’s Cotswold pub that became the focus of season four of Clarkson’s Farm is well known for its one incredibly strict rule: that it can only use British produce and drinks.
That means no Coca-Cola, no Ketchup, and no coffee at The Farmer's Dog.
Fans have not stopped going to visit the pub however, which has had a steady influx of visitors since it opened late last year.
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One particular visitor posted a receipt, going viral in a Farmer’s Dog Facebook group, with fans split over the price of eating there.
The prices are quite high at the Farmer’s Dog compared to many other pubs, and so will lead many to question why.
Why are the prices so high at the Farmer’s Dog?
Prices at The Farmer’s Dog are where they are for several reasons, with Clarkson actually claiming that they lose £10 every time someone eats there.
One of the main reasons is the pub’s commitment to only sourcing British produce and drinks.
Whilst some aspects of this are easier than others, such as the beef and bacon he can source from the Diddly Squat farm, others are far harder to get your hands on.
One example Clarkson gave is black pepper, with the cost of imported black pepper ten times less than sourcing it within the UK per the presenter in a Sunday Times column.
In addition to this, the presenter has spoken about how staffing has been an issue at the pub, leading to a high turnover – with Clarkson losing multiple staff members in the first 48 hours of opening.
Pubs themselves are also more expensive than ever to run – duty on non-draught alcohol has increased, energy bills at many pubs are vastly increasing, and the hospitality sector has been hit with major increases in National Insurance contributions.
Viral receipt that had fans debating the cost of the Diddly Squat farm?
A Clarkson’s Farm fan shared a receipt after sharing a Sunday roast for four adults and one kid, with the bill totalling up to a whopping £154.70.
This included a £24 roast beef, three £26 roast beef and porks, and two of Clarkson’s Hawkstone lagers which came at a cost of £7 each.
Whilst these prices were undoubtedly talking points in their own right, many commenters focused on one particular issue: the mandatory 12.5% service charge.
One particularly salty commenter said: “P***es me off when they just add a service charge. Should be your decision to tip or not depending on the service. Was looking forward to going here."
Another said: “I always believe in tipping the staff, but [12.5%] service charge already added! What if the service isn't up to standard?”
Others however were more measured on the matter and the price overall, with one commenting: “That's not bad considering it's all British and locally supplied.”
Another fan agreed, saying: “That's pretty good value. At least you know all the ingredients are British at The Farmer's Dog.”
Topics: Jeremy Clarkson, Clarkson's Farm, TV and Film, TV, Food And Drink
Michael Slavin