Jeremy Clarkson has announced the name of his new pub which is set to open this week.
On Wednesday (August 21), the former Top Gear star took to social media to share the news with his loyal legion of fans. The 64-year-old initially believed the venue, located on the A40 near Burford, wouldn’t be open to the public until 2025.
But the dad-of-three revealed that the pub, now named The Farmer’s Dog, will open at noon on Friday (August 23). The eatery, previously called The Windmill, is set within five acres of land offering stunning views across the Windrush Valley.
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The broadcaster has also erected a 5,000 square-foot marquee and outdoor furniture for customers to enjoy. Temporary events notices on the West Oxfordshire District Council’s website hinted that the pub would be opening early for the August Bank Holiday weekend.
(Image: Getty Images)
The district council has been “advising and supporting the launch of Jeremy’s new business, with help from Oxfordshire County Council. District council leader Andy Graham warned that due to the short notice, there could be some initial issues for locals.
Traffic measures are being implemented, including reducing the speed limit on the Burford roundabout from 60mph to 40mph. Work is also underway to improve bus connections by installing new bus stops and paths.
Ahead of the opening, county and district councillor Liam Walker said: “It is important Oxfordshire County Council are supportive but also ensuring lessons have been learnt from the farm shop.” The councillor for Chadlington – where Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm Shop is located – has raised concerns about the TV presenter’s plans.
(Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS)
Cllr Andrew Walker requester double yellow lines be put in place around the pub and the closure of the lay-by across the road to be considered, but claimed the county council “seem reluctant to do both those things.” Taking to Facebook, he wrote: “I am concerned people will park in the lay-by when the car park for the pub is full and they will then need to cross a very busy A40.
“We have seen with the farm shop that people visit even when closed to take selfies with the signage so I suspect the same will happen here and the lay-by offers that easy option to do so. There is the potential that this will end up being Farm Shop chaos mark 2 and I will be disappointed if that’s the case as there has been plenty of time and learnings to make sure this is safe for visitors and those passing by.
“I know Clarkson has approached a nearby landowner to explore options for another car park but as yet I’m not sure if this has been agreed.” Cllr Walker’s post about the reopening sparked a huge debate with locals online.
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The post quickly gained traction with residents sharing their own worries. Meanwhile others urged the council to avoid repeating mistakes made during the Diddly Squat Farm Shop saga and its messy car park battle.
One local fumed: “If the council hadn’t had been so petty and allowed Clarkson to convert the old lambing shed into a restaurant, which had ample car parking, then he wouldn’t have had to purchase the pub in order to use his, and other local farmers, meat and vegetables in order to make a profit.”
Another insisted on the necessity for Clarkson to expand, stating he must be allowed “to make a car park as big as he needs for the business to operate safely.” Meanwhile, another resident warned: “My issue is if you put into a satnav his film set A) the farm shop to his film set B) the pub it takes you right through Swinbrook. It will be chaos and devastating for residents.”
(Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS)
A West Oxfordshire District Council spokesman said: “We are always keen to support local businesses and we have had initial conversations with Mr Clarkson and his team about the Windmill pub. We have provided advice and we are also practically supporting with various elements of opening the pub such as licensing, water supply and food safety.
“The county council are leading on the issues around parking and traffic, and are putting in place various measures. We will continue to work with the pub’s owners and management as well as partners, such as the county council, to support the business while also helping to minimise the potential impact on local residents and other businesses.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
