Jeremy Clarkson has revealed plans to run a pub championing British farming near his Diddly Squat Farm.
The Clarkson’s Farm star is said to be eyeing up The Coach and Horses pub, situated opposite his Hawkstone Brewery near Bourton-on-the-Water.
Clarkson’s Hawkstone Lager is produced at the brewery, using spring barley grown from his Oxfordshire farm.
Locals had raised concerns over proposals for a brewery close to the picturesque village after the Cotswold District Council approved a new premises licence for the venue earlier this year.
The local council granted the 18th century pub, owned by The Stonegate Group, a license to sell alcohol from 11am to 11pm seven day a week.
The licence also allows for live music to be allowed outside until 9pm. Although all windows and doors are to be closed when live and or recorded music is taking place.
In February, representatives for Stonegate told the licensing meeting that they want the pub to reopen with a tenant.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, as reported by Bristol Live, the company’s agent said: “It’s a tenanted pub. So we will let the pub to a tenant at some point.
“The precise identity of that tenant is unknown. It is being marketed on Stonegate’s website. It would have a really good food offer to encourage people to visit. There would have to be significant investment."
The pub reportedly requires an investment of £750,000 due to its poor condition, including a "hole in the roof".
It was reported earlier this year that the TV star has shown interest in the site, and locals claim he was seen with a film crew in the car park of the Grade II-listed inn.
In March he is said to have visited Gloucestershire County Council to address highways concerns related to the site.
There are concerns there would be a huge increase in traffi, if Clarkson were to take over the pub, which is opposite the brewery.
It is understood discussions have taken place with County Highways about rearranging the access to the pub so that its entrance is further away from the access to the brewery.
Councillor Len Wilkins said that the licensing application for a capacity of 4,000 people at the site also caused local residents to raise concerns regarding music and stand up comedy events at Hawkstone Brewery.
Councillor Jon Wareing said the brewery have been great in working with the community to address their concerns and assure them it won’t be “a party town”.
According to Gloucestershire Live, the local politician said: “They want to work with residents. They want to make sure they understand what they are doing - they don’t want events that big.
“They are looking at measures to mitigate noise impact. Not opening super late. They have been really constructive. Their intention is not to be a party town.
“[Clarkson’s] very much on a mission to promote British farming. Using local produce is a theme of what they want to do - hence the stake in the brewery. And the desire to also open a pub somewhere.”
The Standard has contacted Jeremy Clarkson’s reps for comment.
