Television personality and culinary critic Henry Southan, known for his appearance on Big Brother and his influence on food-centric social media platforms, has issued a pointed critique of Mr. Jeremy Clarkson’s public house, The Farmer’s Dog, via a TikTok video published earlier this week.
Mr. Southan, aged 26, documented his visit to the establishment—located near Burford in Oxfordshire—undertaken in observance of Father’s Day, during which he was accompanied by his father.
However, his review was less than complimentary. He voiced dissatisfaction with the £26 beef and pork roast dinner, describing it as lacking moisture and flavour. He further expressed frustration with the customer parking arrangements, specifically citing the considerable distance between the designated overflow car park and the main dining premises as a point of inconvenience.
In a caption accompanying a video posted to TikTok on Tuesday, Mr. Henry Southan remarked, with apparent understatement, that “Jeremy Clarkson’s pub was… interesting.”
In the video, Mr. Southan documented his arrival at the designated overflow car park, stating: “It’s like arriving at Glastonbury — this is the overflow car park. I am in a field far away from the pub and I am having to trek to the pub even with a reservation.”
He continued his commentary during the walk to the premises: “This better be the best roast I have ever eaten to justify the pain of just parking and getting here. I am being a proper moaner right now, I’m sorry — but it’s just crazy.”
As Mr. Southan continued documenting his visit to The Farmer’s Dog, he expressed concern upon nearing the premises, stating: “There is a massive queue out the door — do I have to queue in that even if I have a reservation for now?”
Once seated and served, Mr. Southan proceeded to critique the meal in real time, telling his father: “You were right about the beef — it is really dry,” while appearing visibly uncomfortable as he attempted to chew. Sampling the pork, he added: “The pork is also really dry.”
He further highlighted the shortcomings of the meal by zooming in on his plate and using his knife to demonstrate the lack of crispness in the roast potatoes.
Concluding his video, Mr. Southan appeared visibly perplexed as he noted that the pub’s piano was playing the theme tune from EastEnders.
Mr. Southan is a seasoned food critic with published reviews in The Evening Standard and GQ. He also maintains a significant presence on social media, bolstered by his prior appearance on national television.
Public reaction to his review was mixed. While some of his followers echoed his sentiments regarding the culinary experience, others came to the defence of Mr. Clarkson’s establishment. One commenter noted: “Sir… he opened a rural pub that serves British farm food, not a fancy restaurant for the rich.” Another added: “Such a positive attitude to helping the local British farmers…”#newsafro_
