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Jeremy Clarkson, known for his motoring prowess and recent foray into farming with the hit TV series Clarkson’s Farm, is reportedly exploring the possibility of running a country pub near his Diddly Squat farm in the picturesque Cotswolds village of Bourton-on-the-Water.
The grade II listed Coach & Horses Inn, situated on the A429 just across the Fosse Way from Clarkson’s Hawkstone brewery, is the subject of interest as embattled publicans hope for a turnaround in its fortunes.
The Stonegate Pub Partners, advertising for a retail partnership tenancy at the pub after years of struggling to find success, has caught the attention of Clarkson, who has reportedly been in discussions about the pub for some time. Recent reports suggest that Clarkson remains interested in acquiring the establishment, despite earlier financial disagreements that stalled negotiations.
While Clarkson himself has remained tight-lipped about the potential venture, sources suggest that discussions have progressed to the point of considering possible highways issues associated with expanding the site, indicating early stages of planning. However, Clarkson’s response to inquiries about the pub acquisition remains elusive, with him quipping, “I don’t have a clue what I’m doing.”
Local business owners and residents view Clarkson’s potential involvement positively, seeing it as a potential boon for the village. Andrew Lund-Yates, owner of the Old New Inn in Bourton and a member of the Bourton Business Network, sees Clarkson’s interest as a “no-brainer,” believing that the pub’s association with Clarkson’s brewery could attract a diverse clientele and bring additional footfall to the area.
Nik Antona, chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale, welcomed the news, expressing hope that Clarkson’s involvement would bring attention to the struggling pub trade, which has faced challenges such as rising costs, high taxes, and closures. With over 1,200 pubs shuttering their doors last year and ongoing economic pressures, the potential revitalisation of the Coach & Horses Inn under Clarkson’s stewardship offers a glimmer of hope for the beleaguered industry.