Jeremy Clarkson’s Cotswold pub, The Farmer’s Dog, has become a magnet for fans since opening last summer but now locals say its popularity is causing problems.
The former Top Gear host bought The Windmill pub near Burford for around £1 million before relaunching it in August 2024 under its new name.
Since then, crowds have flocked daily to sample pints of his Hawkstone beer and best of British farming cuisine, echoing the success of his nearby Diddly Squat farm shop.
But minutes from Asthall Parish Council’s September meeting reveal a flurry of complaints, as reported by the Oxford Mail.
Residents raised concerns about muddy roads after heavy rain, noise from loud music on Saturday nights and potential hazards caused by traffic and parking.
The outlet alleged that one councillor, Ruth McCalman, noted that music had blared until 10pm before being turned off in line with the venue’s licence.
As per the publication, the notes read: “[Ms McCalman] also raised the problem of very loud music on Saturday night causing a problem in Worsham.
“Since it stops at 10pm it was felt there was no no legal breach however it was thought that a quiet request to turn the volume down.”
Parking arrangements have also come under scrutiny.
A letter to the council questioned whether the use of Barrow Field on the B4047 for overflow parking had the necessary planning approval.
The writer highlighted a new entrance to the car park close to a bend in the road, warning it was poorly signposted and could compromise pedestrian and driver safety.
Locals described a “plethora” of temporary signs directing visitors and indicating speed limits.
While acknowledging the signs were intended to keep people safe, some said they were an eyesore in a conservation area and in the heart of a designated national landscape.
The parish minutes note that some temporary 40mph signs have since been replaced by permanent ones, but other temporary signs remain and sometimes block motorists’ sight lines.
Clarkson has not publicly commented on the parish council’s discussions, but the venue remains open.
Despite the criticism, The Farmer’s Dog continues to draw large crowds, matching the popularity of Clarkson’s farm shop in Chadlington, which has faced similar traffic and planning headaches since it opened in 2020.
The Standard has contacted Jeremy Clarkson’s rep for comment.
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