Jeremy Clarkson’s pub has quickly become the UK’s most popular establishment since its opening 18 months ago. Following a lengthy planning process and overcoming unexpected obstacles, he finally obtained permission to launch the venue in 2024, with the entire journey chronicled on his hit reality show, Clarkson’s Farm.
Notably, Clarkson is not the sole former Top Gear host with a pub in the UK. Less publicized, his former co-host James May also owns a small pub just a couple of hours away. Intrigued by their Top Gear connections and current projects like The Grand Tour and Clarkson’s Farm, we decided to compare the two establishments in a single day visit.
Our journey began with a drive to the quaint village of Swallowcliffe in Wiltshire, where James May’s pub is nestled. The pub, known as The Royal Oak, is conveniently located around 12 miles from Salisbury, making it a popular stop for locals and visitors alike. Despite May’s ownership, the pub exuded a welcoming atmosphere, attracting a mix of regulars and newcomers enjoying a leisurely drink.
Our dining experience at The Royal Oak started with a delightful bread slate featuring homemade bread, spiced hummus, and salted butter. The crispy feta with figs and pesto stole the show, offering a perfect blend of flavors. Moving on to the mains, the beer-battered fish and chips met expectations with hand-cut chips, seasoned mushy peas, and tartare sauce. Another standout was the burger and fries, elevated by gorgonzola rarebit and other gourmet touches. The menu also featured a comforting butternut squash and artichoke risotto, all reasonably priced to cater to a broad range of patrons.
While most dishes were reasonably priced, James May’s menu boasted a luxurious Chateaubriand of Wiltshire beef at a hefty £85 per serving. The pub’s popularity among locals and tourists was evident, offering a warm and inviting ambiance without the need for extensive booking lead times.
In contrast, Jeremy Clarkson’s pub, The Farmer’s Dog, required a reservation six weeks in advance for a Tuesday evening slot. Despite the booking challenge, the venue offered a range of attractions, including outbuildings, The Farmer’s Puppy eatery, and an outdoor pub adorned with show merchandise. Visitors could also purchase freshly baked bread, enjoy ice cream stalls, and engage in children’s games during the summer months.
Upon arrival at The Farmer’s Dog, we were greeted by a picturesque setting overlooking the Oxfordshire countryside. The venue’s popularity was evident, with strict timing policies and limited seating space, emphasizing the high demand for the Clarkson’s Farm experience.
The well-coordinated staff promptly took our orders and served our meals, showcasing a streamlined dining process. Although the menu options at Jeremy Clarkson’s pub were somewhat limited, the locally sourced dishes, including Cotswold lamb sausage and Caesar Salad, impressed with their flavors and quality.
In conclusion, while both pubs offered unique dining experiences, Jeremy Clarkson’s establishment stood out for its overall experience and culinary excellence. The Royal Oak competed favorably with The Farmer’s Dog in terms of pricing and quality, with the latter boasting additional attractions. However, the cozy ambiance and traditional pub setting of James May’s venue contrasted with the more upscale restaurant feel of Jeremy Clarkson’s establishment, which lacked certain classic pub elements like sofas and screens for sports viewing.