Jeremy Clarkson's recent remarks on the cost of beer have ignited a public debate, particularly on social media platforms. While expressing dismay at a £6.50 pint, online users and a prominent community note highlighted that his own establishment, The Farmer's Dog, charges a higher price for a similar beverage. This situation has led to accusations of hypocrisy and a broader discussion about pricing in the hospitality industry.
Background of the Controversy
Jeremy Clarkson, a well-known television personality and farmer, recently engaged in a discussion on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) regarding the price of pints in pubs. His comment that a £6.50 pint is "ludicrous" quickly drew attention. This statement appeared in the context of wider concerns about rising pub prices in the UK, which are often attributed to factors such as inflation, alcohol duty, and increased business operating costs.
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Clarkson is the owner of The Farmer's Dog, a pub located in Asthall, Oxfordshire. The pub, which was formerly known as The Windmill and purchased by Clarkson approximately two years ago, has been featured in his Amazon Prime Video series, "Clarkson's Farm." The establishment has gained popularity among fans of the show, with some visiting the location specifically because of its connection to Clarkson.
The controversy intensified when it was pointed out, notably through a community note on X and by various media outlets, that The Farmer's Dog charges £7 for a pint, a price exceeding the £6.50 figure Clarkson deemed "ludicrous." This has led to a wave of responses from the public and commentators, many of whom have framed Clarkson's stance as contradictory or hypocritical.
Public and Online Reaction
The reaction to Clarkson's comments has been predominantly critical, with many online users expressing their views on X and other platforms.
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Accusations of Hypocrisy: A significant portion of the public response has focused on the perceived hypocrisy of Clarkson complaining about pint prices while his own pub charges more. Screenshots of menus and receipts from The Farmer's Dog have circulated online to support this point.
Community Note Intervention: The social media platform X itself, through its community note feature, added a factual clarification to Clarkson's post, highlighting the discrepancy between his statement and his pub's pricing. This note serves to provide context and counter-information directly within the social media thread.
Broader Economic Context: Some commentators have acknowledged that rising pub prices are a national issue influenced by various economic pressures. However, this broader context has not mitigated the specific criticism directed at Clarkson due to the contrast with his own business practices.
"I don't think the £6.50 pint works anywhere." - Jeremy Clarkson, via X.
Pricing Discrepancies and Business Operations
The pricing at The Farmer's Dog has become a central point of contention. While Clarkson expressed that a £6.50 pint is "ludicrous," evidence suggests his establishment charges £7 for a pint.
Clarkson's Beer Brand: In addition to the pub's general pricing, Clarkson also has his own brand of premium beer, Hawkstone. The price of Hawkstone beer reportedly varies depending on whether it is bought at a retail outlet or in a pub setting.
Challenges in the Pub Industry: Some articles have referenced Clarkson's own views on the challenges facing the farming and hospitality industries, including pub closures. He has previously stated in a column for The Times that running his pub is "more stressful" than running his farm.
Customer Complaints: Reports indicate that The Farmer's Dog has previously faced customer complaints regarding its pricing, with some punters describing the prices as a "rip off."
Contrasting Viewpoints on Pub Pricing
The debate touches upon the economic realities faced by pubs and the expectations of consumers regarding beer prices.
Clarkson's Perspective: Clarkson's initial comment suggests a belief that there is a ceiling for acceptable pint prices, beyond which consumer demand may suffer. He has also linked high prices to the struggles of pubs and the declining social habits of younger generations in frequenting them.
Counterarguments and Public Observation: The public and various online commentators have countered that the prices at his own establishment directly contradict his stated concern, creating an impression of double standards.
Expert and Public Opinion
While direct quotes from named experts commenting specifically on this situation are limited in the provided data, the public reaction and the addition of a community note serve as a strong indicator of prevailing sentiment.
Online Commentary: The aggregation of comments on X and in media reports indicates widespread public agreement that Clarkson's remarks, in light of his pub's pricing, represent a notable inconsistency.
Chris Packham's Remarks: Chris Packham, a presenter for Springwatch, has also been mentioned in relation to Clarkson, with Packham reportedly calling out Clarkson's "changing views." While not directly about pint prices, this suggests a history of public disagreement or scrutiny concerning Clarkson's public statements on rural and countryside issues.
Conclusion and Implications
Jeremy Clarkson's public comments on the price of beer have inadvertently drawn attention to the pricing practices at his own establishment, The Farmer's Dog. The juxtaposition of his statement that a £6.50 pint is "ludicrous" with the pub's known price of £7 has led to significant online criticism and accusations of hypocrisy.
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Key Findings:
Jeremy Clarkson publicly stated that a £6.50 pint is "ludicrous."
His pub, The Farmer's Dog, charges £7 for a pint.
This discrepancy has been widely noted and criticized on social media, including via a community note on X.
Implications:
The incident highlights the scrutiny public figures face regarding consistency between their pronouncements and their business dealings.
It also serves as a point of reference in ongoing discussions about the affordability and economic viability of pubs in the United Kingdom.
Further public discussion may arise regarding the specific economic factors influencing pricing at establishments like The Farmer's Dog and the broader hospitality sector.
The core issue remains the apparent conflict between Clarkson's expressed views on pint prices and the actual pricing at his own pub, a point that continues to be a subject of public commentary.
Sources Used
Daily Mail: Article 1 details Clarkson's comments and the immediate backlash, mentioning Chris Packham and his own beer brand. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tv/article-15573643/Jeremy-Clarkson-rising-price-pints-pubs-backfires.html
Metro: Article 2 also highlights the £6.50 vs £7 price difference and mentions Clarkson's ownership of The Farmer's Dog. https://metro.co.uk/2026/02/16/jeremy-clarkson-says-a-6-50-pint-ludicrous-despite-charging-7-pub-26932244/
The London Economic: Article 3 focuses on the swift internet ridicule and the contradiction pointed out by users. https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/news/jeremy-clarkson-complains-about-the-price-of-a-pint-and-gets-immediately-owned-403328/
Oxford Mail: Article 4 reiterates the £6.50 vs £7 price point and notes the location of The Farmer's Dog. https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/25861413.jeremy-clarkson-calls-6-50-pint-ludicrous-charges-7-pub/
Food Bible: Article 5 discusses the community note added to Clarkson's tweet and mentions previous headlines concerning The Farmer's Dog. https://www.foodbible.com/news/celebrity/jeremy-clarkson-farmers-dog-pub-beer-prices-927931-20260217
LADbible: Article 6 also covers the awkward moment on social media and the community note that shut down his tweet. https://www.ladbible.com/entertainment/celebrity/jeremy-clarkson-price-pint-farmers-dog-tweet-210115-20260218
Cornwall Live: Article 7 reports on punters complaining about "rip off" prices at Clarkson's pub, referencing visits to both the farm shop and pub. https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/punters-complain-rip-off-prices-9508380
Extra.ie: Article 8 refers to Clarkson being branded a "hypocrite" and mentions his comments about younger people and pubs. https://extra.ie/2026/02/16/entertainment/jeremy-clarkson-hypocrisy-pub
