Jeremy Clarkson pub diners hit out at 'weird' rule that impacted their meal without realising

Diners at Jeremy Clarkson’s pub have hit out at a ‘weird’ rule the establishment has, which impacts their meal without them even realising.

Clarkson inaugurated The Farmer’s Dog pub last year, and his road to opening the new venture will be one of the big focuses of the newest season of Clarkson’s Farm.

Between barring Keir Starmer and James May and charging £200 for a custom-made pie, the pub has been the focus of controversy before it was even featured as a part of the show.

Diners however have taken to The Farmer’s Dog to complain, and it links back to a strict rule when it comes to what they serve.

One review of Clarkson's pub's food specifically said that ‘drinks are limited, no cola, pepsi, lemonade or coffee’, whilst another negative review said they had ‘asked for some pepper and was told sorry no!! Ate 3 mouthfuls and that was enough’.

Another three-star review largely had positive things to say about the pub, but added: “Sadly they do not have pepper or coffee - both items I really missed.

“It was strange not to have a coffee after my meal, and I always have pepper on my veg.”

This all links back to the fact that Clarkson is insistent on only using British produce and drinks. As a result of the rule, things such as Coca-Cola, Coffee, Ketchup, and anything that can’t be acquired in Britain are not available in the pub.

The three-star review that said it was ‘strange’ acknowledged this, going on to add: “I know JC only likes to use British produce, which I totally get and respect, but hey, no pepper and coffee is a bit extreme.”

Clarkson at his pub (PA)

The rule has led to extra worries for Clarkson himself, as it has caused the presenter to admit that he actually loses £10 for every customer who eats at his restaurant.

He said in a column for The Times that black pepper costs ten times more to acquire domestically than if you were to bring it in from abroad.

He went on to add: “Now, a business-minded person would look at these costs and realise that with British-only rules in place, a hotdog was going be priced at about £45.

“But I’m not a business-minded person. So I just filled my heart with hope, asked an AI program to work out what the average price of lunch in a Cotswolds pub is and just charged that.

“It’s possible that for every customer who comes through the door I’d lose about £10.”

Clarkson opening his new pub, as well as dealing with Kaleb Cooper’s absence by having to bring in a new face on the farm, will be the focus of season four of Clarkson’s Farm.

Clarkson’s Farm releases on Prime Video May 23, 2025.