Jeremy Clarkson announced an extension to the closure of his contentious Diddly Squat farm shop – and people aren't happy.
Despite earlier projections of a late January reopening, TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson astonished everyone by stating the venue would keep its doors shut until March.
Known for his straightforward style and wishing not to disappoint his supporters, the star wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "While it's true that the farm shop at Diddly Squat is closed as usual until March, the farm shop at The Farmer's Dog is very much open. Every day apart from Mondays and Tuesdays. You can grab a burger too and a pint."
The interest in Clarkson's agricultural escapades soared with the release of "Clarkson's Farm" on Amazon Prime, documenting his exploits as he traded television stardom for life tilling the soil.
The show's success has led to a surge of tourists flocking to the little village, longing for a glimpse of the farm shop glamourised on-screen.
This newfound popularity has not been without its troubles, as originally tranquil local roads now suffer traffic pandemonium due to the visitors, causing inconvenience to residents and lines of parked cars choking the bucolic lanes.
In light of his farm shop remaining closed, the 64-year-old media personality is now pointing those keen on a quaint countryside experience towards his new project, The Farmers Dog pub.
Once operating under the moniker The Windmill, Clarkson took over the establishment last year after shelling out roughly £1 million, proceeding immediately with intensive refurbishments.
The charismatic host has transformed his rural retreat with a new outdoor area boasting a revamped canopy and over 20 picnic tables for those seeking the joy of alfresco drinking. The upcoming season of his hit farming show is set to thrust his life as a publican into the limelight, marking a significant shift from the day-to-day escapades at Diddly Squat Farm.
Having welcomed patrons for merely four months, the pub has quickly adapted to embrace improvements. An announcement from The Farmer's Dog stated: "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, so here are our initial plans for 2025."
It continued: "As of January 3, you'll be able to book at lunch. That's right, you can now ensure you've got a spot. Get bookings while you can. As always, we will also leave some room every day for walk-ins too.
"We are now also going to open six 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."
However, Top Gear enthusiasts may face disappointment upon discovering the duo, James May and Richard Hammond, won't share screen time at The Farmer's Dog pub, following an official ban.
Responding to the rather unlikely ban, Mr May quipped: "He told me that, but I said to somebody, it's like being banned from the golf club, being banned from somewhere where I wasn't going to go anyway, so, what does it mean?"
