Jeremy Clarkson has sounded the alarm over a series of thefts at his new pub, The Farmer’s Dog, which could potentially lead to its closure. Since its launch in August, the 64 year old former ‘Top Gear’ presenter and now-farmer, who has found success with ‘Clarkson’s Farm’ on Prime Video, has seen a flood of customers.
However, despite high footfall, profits are being undermined by repeated thefts from the establishment. Clarkson has described the situation as a “total disaster” for the business, with the issue impacting his ability to make a profit, even though attracting customers isn’t an issue.
In an article for The Times, Clarkson disclosed that patrons have been pilfering the pub’s branded pint glasses, costing the business thousands and making profitability challenging. He wrote: “The theft, for example, is extraordinary. People seem to have it in their heads that if they come in for a pint they are entitled to go home with the glass in which it was served.”
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson announces temporary closure of Diddly Squat Farm Shop amid challenges at The Farmer’s Dog
Jeremy Clarkson has issued a warning about theft from his pub
(Image: Hawkstone/Instagram)
He further detailed the financial strain caused by the thefts: “Last Sunday 104 went missing. And 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.”
Jeremy has taken a unique approach to prevent theft in his pub by introducing beer mats featuring his face and the message: “Jeremy is watching…don’t steal his pint glasses! ” The Grand Tour star shared about the new beer mats on social media, saying: “Feel free to take our new beer mats ..but please don’t steal our Hawkstone pint glasses! Happy New Year.. #backbritishfarmingdrinkhawkstone.”, reports the Mirror.
In his column, Jeremy expressed his frustration over the challenges of running a pub, writing: “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.”
Jeremy Clarkson opened The Farmer’s Dog last August
(Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS)
Adding to these difficulties, Jeremy announced a significant closure at his Diddly Squat Farm Shop. The Top Gear presenter posted the news on the shop’s website, stating that the store would be closed for all of January and February, following its last open day on December 29.
“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,” read a banner on the home page. The announcement added: “We will be shut in January and February, reopening on 1st March.”
Despite the lengthy break, Jeremy has not disclosed why he’s pausing business for such an extended period.