Skip to content

Jeremy Clarkson opens Diddly Squat restaurant in Oxfordshire

Getty Images Jeremy ClarksonGetty Images
A plan for a new restaurant at Jeremy Clarkson's farm was turned down by the council in January

Jeremy Clarkson has opened a restaurant on his farm despite plans being rejected by councillors.

Proposals for the Diddly Squat restaurant in Chadlington were denied by West Oxfordshire District Council in January.

However, the former Top Gear presenter has reportedly found a "delightful little loophole", according to The Sun.

He said he had found another barn on his West Oxfordshire farm and notified the council of the restaurant opening.

The local authority said it had been made aware of the opening and was looking into the operation to ensure the venue was "compliant with local and national planning law".

Mr Clarkson posted the announcement on social media alongside a link for people to book a table.

He tweeted: "I'm thrilled to announce that you now have a chance to try the amazing food we grow and rear on my farm at the brand new (but quite rustic) Diddly Squat restaurant."

Allow Twitter content?

This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read  and  before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

Planning officers previously rejected the Grand Tour host's plans to turn a lambing shed into a restaurant because it was out of keeping with the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

He said he had now opened a small restaurant in a different shed for a "very rustic" dining experience.

A description for the Diddly Squat venue on the online restaurant booking service OpenTable, states: "Before making your booking, you should know it's small, mostly outdoors and very rustic.

"Ordering a beer or going to the lavatory isn't as easy as in your local pub and we don't cater to the faddy.

"We've done our best to keep you warm and dry, but this is England."

PA Media Jeremy Clarkson with two women who are holding up their phones and posing for selfiesPA Media
Clarkson posed for selfies with fans at a previous village meeting about the proposed restaurant last year

It goes on to explain the menu mostly consists of food produced on the farm and diners will not be able to choose the cut of meat they are served.

It continues: "There is no menu as such - we simply serve what's available that day.

"But worry not, your table will be given a selection of snacks and starters followed by a roast and a pudding."

A spokesperson for West Oxfordshire District Council said: "The council was made aware of the restaurant opening at Diddly Squat Farm this past weekend on Friday.

"As part of our standard operating procedure we are looking into the operation to ensure it is compliant with local and national planning law and policies as well as licensing and food hygiene regulations."

Presentational grey line

Follow BBC South on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].