Jeremy Clarkson’s pub, which opened 18 months ago, has quickly become the most popular in the UK. Following a lengthy planning process and various challenges, Clarkson finally received permission to open the establishment in 2024, with the entire journey captured on his reality show, Clarkson’s Farm.
Notably, Clarkson is not the only former Top Gear host with a pub in the UK. His former co-star, James May, also owns a pub located just two hours away. Intrigued by their connection to the popular TV shows, we decided to compare the two pubs by visiting both in a single day.
Our first stop was at James May’s pub in Swallowcliffe, Wiltshire, a quaint village approximately 12 miles from Salisbury and a short drive from Stonehenge. The Royal Oak, owned by May, stands out as one of the few non-residential buildings in the area and attracts a mix of locals and visitors.
We indulged in a variety of delectable dishes at The Royal Oak, including a bread slate with homemade breads and spiced hummus, as well as a standout crispy feta with figs and pesto. The main courses, such as beer-battered fish and chips and a unique burger with gorgonzola rarebit, impressed with their flavors and reasonable prices.
While James May’s menu features a pricy Chateaubriand dish, the overall dining experience at The Royal Oak was delightful and accessible. Unlike Clarkson’s pub, where reservations are harder to come by, we enjoyed a relaxed dining experience at The Royal Oak without lengthy wait times.
Subsequently, we made our way to Jeremy Clarkson’s renowned pub, the Farmer’s Dog. Reservations were a must, with a six-week waiting period and limited availability even on a Tuesday evening. The venue offers a range of dining options, including a separate area called The Farmer’s Puppy for casual meals.
At the Farmer’s Dog, we savored a glass of fizz while admiring the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside before enjoying dishes like Cotswold lamb and mint sausage and The Farmer’s Dog Caesar Salad. Despite a smaller menu selection, the food was top-notch, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
In conclusion, while both pubs offered exceptional dining experiences, Clarkson’s pub stood out for its exclusivity and upscale restaurant ambiance, contrasting with May’s more traditional pub setting. The comparison highlighted the diverse charms of each establishment, catering to different preferences and expectations.