Jeremy Clarkson, the renowned host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and ex-Top Gear star, has made an announcement about a significant closure at his Diddly Squat Farm Shop. The update was posted on the shop’s official website, informing customers that the establishment will be closed throughout January and February, with December 29 marking its last day of trading before the break.
A message displayed prominently on the website’s homepage states: “The original Farm Shop at Chadlington is closed for January and February. The pop up farm shop at The Farmer’s Dog Pub is open Wednesday to Sundays, 10am – 4.30pm.”
This temporary shutdown was also highlighted under the ‘opening hours’ section, noting: “We are open on the 27th, 28th and 29th December. We will be shut in January and February, reopening on 1st March.”
Yet, Jeremy has not provided any explanation for this extended closure. This news comes on the heels of the Grand Tour tent at his pub being forced to close due to damage from Storm Darragh.
Jeremy is closing his super popular farm shop for two full months, but didn’t offer a reason why
(Image: (Image: PA))
Just days prior to the announcement of the two-month closure, Jeremy, who took over The Farmer’s Dog in August, shared some of the other challenges he’s encountered with the venture. Speaking to The Times, Jeremy revealed the struggles of turning a profit at the inn and recounted the “horror” found in the pub toilets, commenting: “No amount of festival visits would prepare you for the horror of what had been produced at the Farmer’s Dog.”, reports the Express.
He’s opened up about the staggering problems he’s had keeping his gastropub afloat, including a severe plumbing issue that necessitated the intervention of a specialist hazmat squad. He shared his woes saying, “It was everywhere and in such vast quantities that no ordinary plumbing or cleaning equipment would even scratch the surface. So a whole team of chemically trained hazmat engineers had to be employed. That’s a cost I’d never factored into any of my business plans.”
Not only this, but he also revealed that customers have been casually swiping glassware from the premises, adding to unexpected outlays.
Jeremy Clarkson opened up about the financial strain last month
(Image: PA)
Jeremy spelled out the financial strain in his Times column, noting: “That cost must be added to the £100 a day we spend on fuel for the generator, the £400 a week it costs to provide warmth on the terrace and the £27,000 a month we must spend on parking and traffic marshals to keep the council off our back.”
Despite plenty of punters frequenting his establishment, revenue remains elusive for the television celebrity. His frustration is palpable as he lamented, “It’s galling to see how much effort is required to make so little money on the farm. It’s worse at the pub. The customers are coming. There’s no problem there. But turning their visits into a profit is nigh-on impossible.”
Yet, amid the financial turmoil, a visit from famed chef Marco Pierre White who lauded the pub’s expansive menu has been a highlight.
He concluded his sentiments with a blend of pride and resignation, stating: “And it’s warm and there’s a fire and the staff are friendly and young and happy. It’s a proper, traditional pub. By which I mean you’ll love it, and I’ll lose a fortune and develop a skin disease from the stress of running it.”