Television presenter Jeremy Clarkson has revealed that his Oxfordshire pub maintains an almost perfect record of serving 100% British produce, with just one notable exception that breaks the otherwise strict local sourcing rules.
The Strict British-Only Policy
The Farmer's Dog, Clarkson's Cotswolds establishment that opened over a year ago, has made supporting UK farmers its core mission. The 65-year-old former Top Gear host has implemented a rigorous policy ensuring that every item served originates from British soil, going as far as banning a customer's birthday cake because it didn't meet these stringent standards.
In a statement published on the pub's official website, Clarkson explained his commitment: "I have tried my absolute hardest to make sure that every single thing you consume in The Farmer's Dog was grown or reared by British farmers. And I have failed."
The Tonic Water Conundrum
The single product that breaks Clarkson's otherwise impeccable British record is tonic water, a staple for any pub serving gin. The crucial ingredient quinine cannot be grown in Britain's climate, forcing Clarkson to make an exception for this popular mixer.
"You can't have a pub that doesn't offer a gin and tonic," Clarkson acknowledged. "But there is quinine in tonic water, and you can't grow that in Britain." He humorously added that serving gin with water and turnip slices instead of lemon wasn't likely to please his customers.
Other potential imports like avocado and Coca-Cola face no such leniency. The pub instead offers British fizzy drinks made with homegrown fruit and British-grown tea. Clarkson also confirmed that all wine served is British-produced.
The British Ketchup Solution
For a period, The Farmer's Dog's commitment to 100% British produce meant they couldn't serve ketchup, creating what Clarkson described as a potential problem for chip-loving patrons. A sign initially informed customers not to request the condiment.
However, the pub has since developed a solution - a completely British-sourced tomato ketchup made from Isle of Wight tomatoes, Hampshire apple cider vinegar, Essex salt, and British sugar, rosemary, carrot, and onions. This innovation became available at Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm Shop in August.
Clarkson's dedication to British farming extends beyond his pub to his popular Amazon series "Clarkson's Farm," which documents his experiences running the adjacent Diddly Squat Farm. The pub's strict sourcing policy reflects his broader commitment to supporting UK agriculture and promoting local produce.
