It started with a roast dinner, a receipt, and a glowing review.

But that’s all it took to ignite another online debate about prices, pubs, and—of course—Jeremy Clarkson.

The former Top Gear host has been making headlines not just for his TV antics, but for how he runs his country pub, The Farmer’s Dog, in Asthall, Oxfordshire.

And it seems everyone has something to say about it—whether it’s over pints, pork, or pricing.

A Pricey but Positive Pub Experience Sparks Attention

It all kicked off when customer Joanna Teresa posted a picture of her bill after enjoying a hearty Sunday lunch on June 8.

She and her group had indulged in five roast dinners, drinks, and a few extras.

The total? £174.04 including a 12.5% service charge. But rather than complaining, Joanna praised the experience:

“Went to the Farmer’s Dog yesterday, what a lovely experience,” she wrote on Facebook. “Very busy but once we were in, it was relaxed.

The food was delicious, staff were brilliant. Great price for 6 roast dinners & drinks. Highly recommend.”

Among the items: roast beef for £24, a beef-and-pork combo for £26, chipolatas at £5, and an extra Yorkshire pudding at £1.50.

Two pints of Clarkson’s Hawkstone lager came in at £7 each, while a medium glass of white wine cost £10. Even fizzy drinks and juice added up at £3.40 a pop.

The Receipt That Divided the Internet

While Joanna walked away satisfied, not everyone agreed. Once her receipt hit Facebook, it sparked a storm of opinions.

Critics came in fast:

“£7 for a pint is a bit excessive.”
“£24 for a roast beef should include the Yorkshire pudding.”
“That looks average at best. My wife serves better portions.”
“You’re having a laugh if you think £24 is value. Won’t be visiting.”

One commenter even took issue with the service charge:

“Why add a service charge? Just price it in!”

Team Clarkson Fights Back Online

But not everyone was moaning. Plenty of Clarkson loyalists and satisfied customers quickly stepped in to defend the pub’s pricing and philosophy.

Supporters chimed in with:

“Six drinks and six meals. Not bad price.”
“Don’t like the price? Don’t go. It’s not compulsory.”
“You lot better not come to Australia—that’s cheap compared to here!”
“You’re paying for the whole experience. Great value.”
“You’re supporting British farming. That’s fine by me.”

The message was clear: if you want British-only, locally sourced meals, expect to pay a little more.

No Coca-Cola, No Ketchup, and Definitely No US Beef

It’s not just about the price tag—it’s the principle.

Clarkson has vowed to use only 100% British produce at his pub, which means no Coca-Cola, no Heinz ketchup, and certainly no American beef. That hasn’t gone over well with everyone.

Earlier this year, customers were baffled by the lack of familiar condiments.

But it’s all part of Clarkson’s mission to support British farming—even if it means losing money.

Yes, He Really Is Banning People from the Pub

Clarkson’s no-nonsense approach isn’t just reserved for critics behind closed doors—he’s been publicly banning people from his pub too.

One recent customer complained on X (formerly Twitter) about paying £24 for a pie and veg, saying Clarkson’s idea of an affordable pub had missed the mark.

Another user piled on, saying British beef prices were out of control and they were waiting for cheaper U.S. cuts.

Clarkson’s reply? A blunt:

“You are now banned from the pub.”

The Cost of Going Local Isn’t Cheap—And He Knows It

In a column for The Times, Clarkson admitted that his commitment to local sourcing isn’t a winning financial strategy.

“A hotdog costs about £45 with these rules. But I’m not business-minded,” he wrote.

“AI told me what a Cotswolds pub charges, and I just went with that.”

He even estimated that he might be losing about £10 per customer thanks to those British-only standards.

The Menu at The Farmer’s Dog Doesn’t Come Cheap

Want to eat at Clarkson’s pub? Here’s what you’re looking at:

Wye Valley asparagus and pea pearl barley: £20
Steak pie with mash and greens: £24
Sausage and mash: £21
Soup starter with sourdough: £8.50
Ham hock terrine: £11

Still, the pub is regularly packed.

Local Competition Is Feeling the Heat

Since Clarkson opened The Farmer’s Dog last summer, it’s become a must-visit in the area—sometimes at the expense of neighboring pubs.

One historic spot, The Three Horseshoes, which has served its village since the 18th century, is now up for sale.

Locals say Clarkson’s popularity has drawn business away.

Love It or Hate It, Clarkson’s Pub Isn’t Trying to Please Everyone

Between banned customers, missing condiments, and expensive pies, Jeremy Clarkson’s pub continues to stir up conversation.

But if there’s one thing he’s made clear—it’s that he’s not backing down from his British-only stance or his unapologetically bold menu prices.

So if you’re heading to The Farmer’s Dog, bring an open mind, a full wallet, and maybe skip asking for Coca-Cola.