Jeremy Clarkson fiercely defended by fans as pub slammed over ‘extortionate’ price of a steak: ‘Some markup!’
Jeremy Clarkson has found himself on the receiving end of some rather disgruntled feedback thanks to the latest pricing of food at his Cotswolds pub.
The 64-year-old opened his own pub, The Farmer’s Dog, in Asthall, near Burford, earlier this year, pledging to only use British produce from local farmers for his punters.
The pub purchase, which will likely provide the basis for the fourth season of his hit Amazon show Clarkson’s Farm, hasn’t been without its hiccups, however.
On opening day, Clarkson took to Instagram to reveal several issues in the kitchen had plagued the launch while he also claimed he was losing about £10 per customer due to the astronomical costs of running the business.
Prospective patrons also hit out at the Farmer’s Dog over its Christmas booking system in which some diners are expected to polish off a three-course meal in just one hour while his partner Lisa Hogan irked some fans by welcoming controversial Hollywood star Ellen DeGeneres to the establishment recently.
The latest decision from the pub to have sparked a fierce debate is the price of one of its ‘specials’ ahead of the festive season: a fillet steak served with carrots, mash, and cabbage.
On the Farmer’s Dog’s Instagram page, a snap of the mouth-watering dish was shared to introduce fans to the new option.
In the accompanying caption, it read: “Thanks Chef! Here’s a special for you… Diddly Squat reared fillet steak with fresh carrots, mash and local black cabbage all for £28 pounds…”
While some of the comments in response praised the appetising look of the plate, the majority of the reactions centred on the £28 price tag.
And it’s safe to say several fans didn’t feel the dish warranted the value, as one Instagram user hit out in response: “Where is the rest of it?”
Another blasted: “Didn’t realise 1 potato, half a carrot and 1 bit of leafy greens cost that much. Considering they farm their own meat and veg. This is extortionate.”
Elsewhere, a third hit out: “For those saying it’s good value – half a carrot, a potato and a green leaf costs probably about 50p max. The steak is home raised, much cheaper than if ordered in. The cost of this dish is about £4-5max, the rest is business costs (a few quid) and profit.”
“What’s that? That’s 2 mouth fulls,” a fourth said as they criticised the portion size before another chimed in: “That’s some markup.”
Neither Clarkson nor The Farmer’s Dog page addressed the complaints but before long, a vast number of followers jumped to the 64-year-old’s defence.
Watched the TV show? Now you can taste the home-grown food and drink produced by Jeremy Clarkson and the Diddly Squat team. From marmalades to chillis, sweets to honey, there’s plenty to get your teeth into. And if you’re not hungry, there’s plenty of merchandise to enjoy too
Addressing the complaints head-on, one fan hit back: “For all those questioning the price, a pub near us are selling local fillet steak at £45/portion! £28 looks a bargain!”
Another echoed: “People are acting shocked by a fillet steak for £28??? Very reasonable especially when you know exactly where the beef came from.”
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“Why the issue with £28?” a third questioned. “That’s about the going rate for a Fillet Steak in any restaurant.”
And a fourth simply applauded: “Fantastic value for such an amazing and freshly cooked meal.”
Clarkson may have steered clear of interacting with disgruntled punters on his pub’s page but he did make a social media return earlier this week.
The Grand Tour host penned his well wishes to BBC Gardeners’ World star Monty Don, 69, after the horticulturist revealed he’d recently been rushed to A&E following a health turn.