Kaleb Cooper, star of Clarkson's Farm, has spoken out in defence of Jeremy Clarkson's new pub, The Farmer's Dog, after customers criticised the prices. The pub opened on August 23 in Asthall, Oxfordshire, and has faced backlash over the cost of drinks and food.
A pint of Hawkstone lager costs around £5.50, while food items range from a £5 sausage roll to a £19 steak pie with mash and Hawkstone gravy. Merchandise includes a £60 jumper, £40 apron, £35 dog bowl, and £14 bottle opener. Some social media users labelled the prices 'ridiculous' and accused Clarkson of 'ripping people off'.
However, Cooper defended the pricing, telling Metro.co.uk: 'I’ve spent a little time there. It’s fantastic, it’s great, it’s really just a good traditional pub with good food, highlighting the quality of British produce. I don’t think there’s any difference in prices to any other pub.'
Clarkson's financial advisor, Charlie Ireland, claimed the prices are competitive for the Cotswolds area, stating: 'We aimed for a bit cheaper than the local area because the pubs are sort of renowned for high prices. We’ve tried to make it affordable for people.'
Clarkson recently revealed in The Times that he is losing approximately £10 per customer, writing: 'I do ask, if you drop by, to remember this. Your lunch, if it arrives at all, is costing us a lot more than it's costing you - so please be kind.' He also dismissed discussing the pub on Good Morning Britain, despite being pressed by a reporter.
