Former Top Gear host James May pipped his on-screen colleague and close pal Jeremy Clarkson - in pub hygiene ratings.
The car show duo both joined the pub industry after TV and have bought their own boozers. James was the first to venture into the life of a publican when he bought a 50% share in The Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe.
The 61-year-old purchased the venue back in 2020, but his former co-host only recently got involved. Jeremy, 64, opened The Farmer's Dog, aptly named after his new agricultural venture, in Burford, Oxfordshire in August this year and fans have flocked to enjoy a pint.
Alongside Richard Hammond, the duo spent 22 years throwing digs at one another while battling it out for first place in the car-themed challenges they took on. Now James and Jeremy have entered into fresh competition in the form of cleanliness bragging rights.
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PA)Despite the popularity of The Farmer’s Dog, it is the experienced head of May’s Royal Oak who has come out on top in the boozer’s hygiene ratings battle. The Food Standards agency ranked James' pub a stellar five out of five, with Clarkson’s got a lesser, though admirable, four out of five, as reported by What’s The Jam.
The agency stated Clarkson’s pub was of a good standard with the hygienic food handling receiving a ‘generally satisfactory’ rating. James’ pub was listed as having a very good standard. Hygienic food handling, cleanliness and condition of facilities, and building and management of food safety were all branded ‘good’ by the FSA.
Clarkson, 64, said that he has sunk a staggering £1million into sprucing up the once sleepy local pub. Even with a million quid down the drain, he's not holding his breath for a return on that dosh, revealing: "God knows if we'll ever make our money back."
Clarifying the extent of his money woes, he explained, "It's possible that for every customer who comes through the door, I'd lose about £10." Customers might well raise an eyebrow over the finances as they fork out a handsome £19 for soul-warming dishes like steak pie with mash and gravy, or a traditional Lancashire hotpot, served up at The Farmer's Dog.
The cosy menu at Clarkson's pub doesn't come cheap, with the daily special sausage with mash and gravy setting you back £18, and a hearty vegetable and cheddar crumble at £15. Sweet treats like apple crumble and cheesecake are also on the pricier side, both costing £8 each, while drinks follow suit a pint of Hawkstone beer or cider will cost you £6.
Clarkson has been quick to defend these prices, highlighting the top-notch quality and local sourcing of the ingredients: "Every single thing was grown by British farmers, even the black pepper and the sugar."
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