Jeremy Clarkson’s Cotswolds pub near ‘famous dogging site’ backed by local residents

Villagers are backing Jeremy Clarkson’s bid to breathe new life into a Cotswolds pub, despite fears over the potential increase in customer traffic. The 64-year-old radio presenter bought The Windmill, along with five acres of picturesque countryside near the charming Oxfordshire village of Burford, for a sum of “less than a million”.

The run-down venue is set to undergo a major makeover by the Grand Tour presenter and Clarkson’s Farm, which he plans to rename. The former Top Gear presenter has revealed plans to rid the pub of “loud TVs”, promote classic pub games, serve only British food and give farmers a free pint of his Hawkstone lager.

And local residents in Asthall were largely supportive of the project, although there were concerns about long queues of fans trying to get to Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm Shop in the village of Chadlington, less than 10 miles away. Arable and livestock farmer Tom Walker, 51, said: “He has already spoken to some farmers and discussed using their produce.”

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“I think it does a lot of good for agriculture. I’m worried about traffic – hopefully it will get people off the main road. I think that will do more good than harm.”

Neighbour Derek Netherton, 79, who owns an Airbnb, said: “We are happy about the extra guests but we are worried about the noise. With luck the traffic will stay on the A40 as the roads are very narrow.”

In an interview with the Sunday Times, Clarkson described a location near the Windmill site as a “famous dogging spot”. Derek said the location had previously been used for secret bare-knuckle boxing matches.

Metal wall art sculptor Chris Townsend, 50, said: “It could potentially have a really positive impact on the area as The Windmill has been struggling for years. I have an exhibition space so the people waiting there could be great.”

“Everything I’ve heard in the press sounds good.” Fiona Dunbar, 50, who runs Cotswold Home Manager, said: “If he takes over a business that’s in trouble and helps British farmers by stocking their produce and making them aware of how tough it is for them, then go for it.”

“There is a lot of traffic in the Cotswolds anyway.” Tanya Hunt, 44, a colleague of Fiona’s, praised Clarkson’s influence on farming.

She said: “He’s a great farmer and tries to help rather than be a nuisance. He’s like Marmite and I love him.”

Another local, 60-year-old James, who prefers not to give his last name, acknowledges the potential positive impact on the village but expresses concern about the increasing activity.

He said: “It’s obviously good for the village but I’m worried about how busy it’s going to be. It’s a bit crazy (at Diddly Squat) but this is going to be a restaurant so hopefully it’s a bit different.”

But Clarkson hadn’t managed to win over all the locals. One said: “Can I swear? To be honest, I’ve never been so keen on him.”

The pub is scheduled to open later this year, following some renovations and a wedding booking prior to the sale.