Jeremy Clarkson divides fans with huge pub change to tackle theft

Jeremy Clarkson has unveiled his plan to target the thefts at The Farmer’s Dog as he revealed the changes to the pub in the new year.

The Farmer’s Dog has been a roaring success with many travelling all over to visit the country pub — which sells only British produce — in Asthall, near Burford in Oxfordshire. But the 64-year-old presenter said many fans had been stealing the pint glasses and before Christmas, 104 were stolen on one Sunday.

Now the Clarkson’s Farm star has got new beer mats which have a picture of Clarkson on them and say: “Jeremy is watching. Don’t steal his pint glasses!”

In a bid to stamp down on the thefts of pint glasses — which have The Farmer’s Dog written on them — Clarkson asked those coming to the pub to take the beer mats as a memento from their visit instead.

Jeremy Clarkson’s stolen pint glasses

The Farmer’s Dog official Instagram said: “Feel free to take our new beer mats… But please don’t steal our Hawkstone pint glasses! Happy New Year…” It was followed by the hashtag #backbritishfarmingdrinkhawkstone.

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It divided fans on social media, with some people sharing their own ideas of how Clarkson could stop the theft. One person wrote on Instagram: “Maybe sell them in your shop at a more reasonable price than the current £8.50??”

Someone else said: “I always feel that if you bring attention to a problem, you make the problem worse. Maybe a poster / info in the pub rather than socials would be a better tact. Some may see it as a challenge now.”

Another said: “I discussed this with the bar staff last week – why not add a £3 or such a surcharge on a pint to take the glass – that’s what HB do in Germany.”

Others however said: “Boooooo to thieving! Show some class and buy one if you “need” it so much!”

Another wrote: “That was my suggestion to Jeremy’s article in The Times, about the stolen glasses!”

Clarkson admitted he has had a “total disaster” with the pub, naming the thefts as one of the problems he has faced since opening the pub in the summer.

He wrote in The Times: “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.

“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.”

The beer glasses are sold on Clarkson’s official merchandise website but some punters have listed them to purchase on ebay.

The Farmer’s Dog changes

This isn’t the only big change The Farmer’s Dog is facing in the new year. Clarkson’s pub page announced: “GOOD NEWS! It’s been just four months since we opened our doors at The Farmer’s Dog and we are learning as we go..and listening to your feedback.”

After the sky-rocketing demand, Clarkson has decided to open the doors to his pub for six days and it will be open for longer hours. The post explained: “We are now also going to open 6 whole days a week, Tuesday – Sunday. AND, as if that wasn’t enough, we are going to open our doors earlier, so you don’t have to queue waiting in the cold. The Hawkstone will be flowing from 11am.”

In a bid to cut down the queues, Clarkson is also introducing booking lunch tables but people will still be able to walk in to get a table as well. “You’ll be able to book at lunch!” The post read. “That’s right, you can now ensure you’ve got a spot.. Get booking whilst you can! As always, we will also leave some room everyday for walk ins too…”

Finally, Clarkson has plans to host a special night for locals on a Monday. There will only be drinks and bar snacks served then. “Whether it’s your Darts Team or your Aunt Sally Team in the summer… Come see us on a Monday night for a good old fashioned pint and a natter. Drinks, and delicious bar snacks only. Old school pub style!”

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