The former ‘Top Gear’ presenter faces criticism from animal welfare advocates as he prepares to serve squirrel at his pub in a special event designed for adventurous diners.
The culinary venture of Jeremy Clarkson, the former ‘Top Gear’ presenter, has ignited significant controversy as he prepares to serve squirrel at his countryside pub, the Farmer’s Dog, located in the Cotswolds. This unusual dish is set to feature on the menu during a special event dubbed ‘Dare Night’, scheduled for later this month, enticing patrons with promises of “weird and wonderful” culinary experiences.
Animal welfare organisation PETA has publicly denounced Clarkson’s menu choice, labelling it as a “hideous bully” move. Elisa Allen, PETA’s Vice President of Programmes, articulated her disapproval, stating, “How desperate does one have to be to turn wildlife into a pub stunt for some kind of shock value straight out of the bargain bin?” She described squirrels as “industrious, clever and sentient,” and characterised Clarkson’s decision as particularly egregious, asserting that only a “hideous bully would take them from their life in a park and slice them up on a plate.” In a direct challenge to Clarkson and his team, she urged them to consider a more empathetic culinary direction: “We challenge Jeremy Clarkson and his sad cronies to dare to try something genuinely bold: compassionate plant-based cuisine.”
The event at the Farmer’s Dog is priced at £85 per person, aimed specifically at adventurous diners prepared to explore offbeat dishes. The menu includes a variety of unconventional items, such as pan-fried brains, lamb’s hearts, and snail caviar, clearly targeting a demographic that is far from vegetarian or vegan. Reports indicate that this unique dining experience will be showcased in an upcoming episode of Clarkson’s Amazon series ‘Clarkson’s Farm’.
In promoting the event, Clarkson highlighted the ethos behind it: “Fed up with beige, safe food? Want to try new things? Difficult things? Weird things? Well if you’re intrigued, join us at the Farmer’s Dog.” He added that the menu would be filled with typically discarded items, inviting diners to confront the unusual and perhaps even leave with a newfound appreciation for dishes they may initially dislike.
An announcement from the Farmer’s Dog indicated that this inaugural ‘Dare Night’ event is designed for those seeking memorable and novel flavours. The programme promises three courses plus canapés, served in a communal style amidst large sharing tables. The menu aims to challenge conventional dining choices with ingredients that might repulse some but delight others, featuring an array of items from veal sweetbreads to crispy squirrel.
Previously, the establishment has faced criticism from PETA for failing to align with the organisation’s stance on veganism. Last year, the organisation particularly targeted the pub regarding its pork production practices, presenting literature aimed at highlighting the hardships associated with animal product testing.
The Farmer’s Dog was launched by Clarkson in August in Asthall, near Burford in Oxfordshire, and received considerable attention upon opening, with eager patrons queuing for hours. Clarkson’s former ‘Top Gear’ co-host, James May, also runs a pub, which he has claimed surpasses Clarkson’s in quality.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.gbnews.com/celebrity/jeremy-clarkson-bully-peta-squirrel-pub-menu-farmers-dog – This URL provides evidence of PETA’s criticism of Jeremy Clarkson for planning to serve squirrel at his pub, calling it a move by a ‘hideous bully’. It also details the controversy surrounding the ‘Dare Night’ menu at The Farmer’s Dog.
- https://thefarmersdogpub.com – This is the official website of The Farmer’s Dog pub, confirming it as Jeremy Clarkson’s venue where British food is served, although it does not specifically mention the squirrel dish.
- https://www.google.com/search?q=jeremy+clarkson+farmers+dog+pub – This search provides general information about Jeremy Clarkson’s pub and its activities but may not offer detailed specifics on the ‘Dare Night’ event without further search results.
- https://www.applausestore.com/clarkson-s-farm – Although not directly confirming the ‘Dare Night’ event, this webpage might offer information on Clarkson’s involvement with Amazon series ‘Clarkson’s Farm’, potentially featuring the event.
- https://www.primevideo.com/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.a8b4a6fd-5124-4d5d-8fcb-3c16b5318a39 – The official Amazon series page for ‘Clarkson’s Farm’ could provide information on upcoming episodes or related events, though it may not specifically mention the ‘Dare Night’ event without additional context.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The article appears recent due to specific events mentioned, such as the upcoming ‘Dare Night’ event and current involvement of Jeremy Clarkson with Amazon series ‘Clarkson’s Farm’. However, there is no specific date mentioned for when the controversy arose or when the event will occur.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The quotes from Elisa Allen and Jeremy Clarkson could not be found in earlier online sources, suggesting they are original or at least contemporary with the article.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from a regional publication, Gloucestershire Live, which, while not as globally recognized as major outlets like the BBC, typically provides local news that can be credible within its scope.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about serving squirrel and other unconventional dishes are plausible given Clarkson’s reputation for provocative content and his involvement in agriculture. However, some specific details lack verification.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be relatively current and plausibly reflective of Jeremy Clarkson’s public persona and culinary endeavors. Quotes seem original or recently used. The source, while regionally focused, is likely credible for local news. Overall, the information presented is believable within the context of Jeremy Clarkson’s activities.
