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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Sam Elliott-Gibbs

Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat farm restaurant probed by council month after opening

Jeremy Clarkson may not have won his Diddly Squat restaurant war just yet after the local council launched a probe.

The TV legend, 62, was celebrating after finding a way around the issues which prevented him opening up until last month.

Local residents and planning laws had scuppered his plans to launch the eatery but joyfully claimed victory.

He thrilled fans last month when he announced he had found a 'delightful little loophole' in the regs and announced he was open for business. He didn't go into further details but started serving at the Chipping Norton venue.

But the battle may not be totally over yet - now West Oxfordshire District Council say they are investigating.

Jeremy Clarkson has faced a long-running battle over his Diddly Squat Farm (Amazon Prime Video)

The MailOnline report that they are already looking into the 40-seat restaurant.

The WODC spokesperson said: "The council was made aware of the restaurant opening at Diddly Squat Farm.

"As part of our standard operating procedure, we have been looking into the operation to ensure it is compliant with local and national planning law and policies, as well as licensing and food hygiene regulations.

"We cannot comment on any ongoing investigations."

He claimed to have found a loophole - so opened up (Tom Wren / SWNS)

Tweeting the news last month, Clarkson said: 'I'm thrilled to announce that you now have a chance to try the amazing food we grow and rear on my farm at the brand new (but quite rustic) Diddly Squat restaurant."

The thrilled former Top Gear host later told explained that he had found a 'delightful little loophole' in the process.

The online restaurant booking service for Diddly Squat reads: "Before making your booking, you should know it's small, mostly outdoors and very rustic.

"Ordering a beer or going to the lavatory isn't as easy as in your local pub and we don't cater to the faddy.

A planning sub-committee had voted against the initial restaurant plans (Getty Images)

"We've done our best to keep you warm and dry, but this is England.

"On the upside, the view is enormous and almost everything you eat was grown or reared on our farm, so it's fresh with minimal food miles.

"There is no menu as such - we simply serve what's available that day.

"But worry not, your table will be given a selection of snacks and starters followed by a roast and a pudding.

"Our bread, made with Hawkstone lager is absolutely brilliant.

"We even have a tiny VIP room housed in an old shepherd's hut. This seats four (just) but it is dry and warmer than outside."

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