Imagine walking into a cozy countryside pub expecting the usual — a pint of lager, maybe some ketchup with your burger, or a cup of coffee to wind down — and then realizing none of that is on offer.
That’s exactly what’s been catching diners off guard at Jeremy Clarkson’s Oxfordshire pub, The Farmer’s Dog.
The former Top Gear host has drawn both praise and puzzled expressions from customers thanks to his hard-line stance on supporting British-only produce.
But for many unsuspecting guests, the missing condiments and drink options come as a bit of a culture shock.
No Cola, No Ketchup… No Coffee?
Despite earning glowing reviews since opening last year, some visitors are leaving Clarkson’s pub scratching their heads.
Several took to online review sites to vent their confusion after discovering that familiar favorites — including Coca-Cola, Pepsi, lemonade, pepper, and even coffee — were nowhere to be found.
One diner lamented the lack of drinks, writing, “Drinks are limited, no cola, Pepsi, lemonade or coffee.”
Another, clearly baffled, recalled being told flat-out “Sorry, no!” when they asked for pepper.
A third reviewer noted that while they admired Clarkson’s commitment to British produce, the absence of coffee and pepper felt a bit extreme.
A Pricey Principle: Why Clarkson Is Willing to Take a Loss
Clarkson isn’t just playing the local produce game for PR — he’s fully committed to it, even if it hits his wallet.
Writing in The Times, he admitted that for every customer who dines at his pub, he could be losing around £10.
Why? Because sticking strictly to homegrown ingredients drives costs way up.
In typical Clarkson fashion, he explained the pricing dilemma with his usual flair: “A business-minded person would look at these costs and realize that with British-only rules in place, a hotdog was going to be priced at about £45.”
Instead, he asked an AI to calculate the average price of a pub lunch and just went with that — heart over head.
That’s One Expensive Pie…
The high prices don’t stop at the condiments.
Earlier this year, the internet went wild after a viral video from Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm Shop showed a pie — yes, a meat pie — being sold for a staggering £200.
The “extra, extra large” pie, sitting proudly on the counter, left viewers in disbelief.
The video, posted by The Skeptics Take on Instagram, featured a tour through the shop.
It began with a glimpse of The Farmer’s Dog pub sign, followed by a rundown of costs inside — including £2 to park in what one visitor described as a “muddy field,” and a £22 Christmas candle branded with the phrase “This smells like my Christmas balls.”
Clarkson’s Take-It-or-Leave-It Charm Isn’t for Everyone
While Clarkson’s approach might be idealistic, it isn’t winning everyone over.
Between the lack of soft drinks, pricey souvenirs, and cheekily branded merchandise, some guests feel like they’re paying more for a novelty than a meal.
Still, his fans — and those who admire his unwavering commitment to British farming — continue to flock to the pub and shop.
Whether you’re after a patriotic pie or a side of controversy with your steak, Clarkson’s farm offers plenty to talk about… even if it doesn’t come with ketchup.