Jeremy Clarkson, the outspoken television presenter and farmer, has found himself in hot water with customers after the launch of his premium £95 Hawkstone advent calendar. While the calendar itself sold out rapidly, its rollout has been marred by delivery delays, leaving many who purchased the festive item frustrated and concerned it won't arrive in time for December.
Festive Spirits and Frustrated Customers
The advent calendar, released under Clarkson's Hawkstone brand, is filled with alcoholic beverages produced at his now-famous Diddly Squat Farm. It promises a boozy countdown to Christmas, packed with lagers, ciders, gin, and vodka. Beyond the drinks, the calendar also includes special surprises for fans, such as a to-do list from Clarkson and his farm manager, Kaleb Cooper.
In a Facebook post last week, the Hawkstone brand announced the calendar had sold out in record time. The final calendar was given away in a Facebook prize draw on Friday, November 22, 2025. However, this success has been overshadowed by a wave of complaints from customers who are yet to receive their orders.
With December 1st fast approaching, social media platforms have become a sounding board for anxious buyers. On X, user helenp82 questioned, "I ordered the Hawkstone Advent Calendar back in October. Any idea when it will be delivered?" Similar concerns were echoed on Facebook, with Julie Louse and Claire Price both stating they were still waiting for their deliveries. Debbie Sharpe added to the chorus, noting she was "still waiting on mine too."
A Pattern of Pricing and Peculiarities
This is not the first time Clarkson's commercial ventures have attracted attention. Last year, the opening of his pub, The Farmer’s Dog, drew scrutiny for its high prices on Hawkstone merchandise. Patrons were faced with a £60 Hawkstone jumper, a £40 apron, a £35 dog bowl, and a £14 bottle opener.
More recently, Clarkson himself voiced bewilderment over the state of his pub's lavatories. In a social media video, he expressed frustration at patrons who seemingly "miss the bowl," lamenting that CCTV in cubicles is not permitted to solve the mystery.
His contentious relationship with certain customer demographics also surfaced earlier this year. Following an incident where a gluten-intolerant customer falsely claimed she was served beer instead of cider, Clarkson mooted the idea of banning people with food intolerances in his column for The Times. He described the idea as "commercial suicide" but labelled such customers "annoying," after CCTV evidence exonerated his establishment from the claim.
A Calendar of Mixed Fortunes
Despite the delivery issues, it's not all bad news for the Hawkstone brand. Some customers have reported successfully receiving their festive packages. Katherine Eddie commented that hers had arrived and looked "amazing," while Chris Onion expressed his excitement for the advent season.
The situation presents a classic Clarkson conundrum: immense public interest and rapid sales, coupled with operational challenges and outspoken criticism. For the customers still waiting, the hope is that their £95 investment will arrive before the first door needs to be opened.
