Inside Jeremy Clarkson's 'accidental' pub opening as star pulls pints
We have had our first look inside Jeremy Clarkson's Cotswolds pub The Windmill. For the first time Clarkson opened the doors to his pub in the Cotswolds, near Burford, Oxfordshire to mark the occasion of the Euros final. The glimpses inside the pub were shared on his official Hawkstone social media account after the weekend.
The caption read: "We got a bit over excited thinking that England might….So we accidentally opened our very unfinished pub for the game.. More news to follow of a real opening much later in the summer or autumn…"
Incredibly disappointed at England being defeated by Spain, Clarkson threw England flags in the bin sparking a divide among his fans. However, people were delighted to get their first look inside The Windmill, with many planning trips already.
Weeks away from opening for real, Clarkson admitted his pub wasn't finished yet but here is what we have seen so far...
Clarkson's pub first look
At his country pub, the TV presenter was seen serving pints of his Hawkstone lager from behind the bar. In his role of pub landlord, he said: "Well, we've accidentally opened our pub before it's kind of finished... It's going to be many many weeks before we open."
Clarkson's Hawkstone brewery was recently named one of the fastest growing businesses in the UK. Different varieties of his own beer — including Premium Lager, Session Lager, IPA and Pilsner — are available on tap in the pub. Clarkson makes his Hawkstone lager by using ingredients grown on Diddly Squat farm. It's been reported that Clarkson will give local farmers a free pint of Hawkstone when the pub officially opens its doors.
Behind the bar, there were still plenty of cardboard boxes showing they have much to unpack ahead of the official opening day. Wine glasses are hung upside down on the ceiling and there is extra booze kept on the shelves.
Inside the country pub it looks spacious with plenty of places for people to sit including an upstairs seating area that overlooks the bar downstairs. The Cotswolds pub has lots of character with beams and its stone walls. In the spirit of the football, Clarkson had decorated the balcony with England flag bunting.
Famous guests
We expect to see some famous faces when Clarkson officially opens his pub. So far, the TV presenter was joined for drinks by his farm manager Kaleb Cooper who helps him run Diddly Squat Farm. Cooper became an instant star and fan favourite from the first series of Clarkson's Farm. His humour and hilarious clashes with Clarkson take centre stage on the show.
The farm manager was seen enjoying a pint of Hawkstone Hedgerow cider. The Hedgerow cider is also made from ingredients from Diddly Squat Farm including a blend of apples, blackcurrants and blackberries.
We can't wait to see who else will walk through the pub doors!
The public reaction
Social media was awash with excitement at Clarkson's pub. It's no surprise because people have queued for hours to see the Diddly Squat shop on Clarkson's farm, in Oxfordshire. Some fans even travel a great distance just to see inside the shop, the only part of the farm that is open to the public.
Among the comments on Instagram, people wrote about the pub: "If I’d have known you were doing this we’d have come down!!!"
"We need a clarksons pub series." Another added. "We need to go when it opens !! X."
"You are going to need to build a bigger pub when this opens,they’ll(we) will be travelling from all over to drink/eat here!"
"I love it Jeremy, you look totally the Landlord. We will up from Plymouth as soon as."
"It all looks great to me Jeremy, nice one sir. I will have to pop in one day for few pints."
"Wish you nothing but the best of luck with everything you do thanks for backing British farming!"
The pub is already proving to be a hit with locals, despite the threat of bringing increased traffic into the area. Clarkson is already reported to be working with local farmers to source local produce for the pub's menu.
“If he is taking over a business that is struggling, helping British farmers by stocking their produce and raising awareness of how hard it is for them, then go for it," said Costwold Home Manager Fiona Dunbar.
She added: “The Cotswolds is full of traffic anyway.”
While an official opening date has yet to be revealed, Clarkson hopes to open the doors of The Windmill later this year after renovations have been completed.
