Jeremy Clarkson fans arrived at The Farmer’s Dog ready to stock up on gifts in the adjacent shop – but many were left sorely disappointed.
Some opted out of emptying their wallets at the Clarkson’s Farm star’s shop, after discovering that a wooden chopping board cost a jaw-dropping £24. The board carried the image of a tractor bursting into flames with the words: “Diddly Squat Farm – how hard can it be?”
The words are a nod to Jeremy’s enthusiasm for opening a farm – only to promptly crash his Lamborghini tractor into a ditch, forcing experienced farmhand Kaleb Cooper to come and “rescue” him. The 64-year-old TV star quickly found that it was harder – and less financially rewarding – than he’d thought.
Though Jeremy and Kaleb’s banter has had fans chuckling hysterically, many fans found that the prices in the shop were no laughing matter. “There’s no way I’d pay that,” one fumed, adding: “I hope the pub is better value than that!”
Another accused Jeremy of capitalising on his fame to sell products at higher prices than other retailers “could get away with”. Despite being hardcore fans, with some arriving from as far afield as the USA to queue for the grand opening, it didn’t mean they were willing to part with their cash for the merchandise.
However, there was one part of the shop that fans did think was worth its weight in gold – the meat counter.
“The sausages are probably the same as you get in the pub restaurant – but cheaper,” reasoned one diner as he tucked into his sausages and mash, smothered in Hawkstone beer gravy.
The prices at the meat counter varied, with beef short ribs being sold for £16.99 per kg, while dry-aged sirloin steak came in at £47.99 per kg.
However, the bonus is that all food items have been produced locally, as part of Jeremy’s commitment to serving the local farming community.
