James May Fires Back at Jeremy Clarkson in Pub Rivalry, Claims Royal Oak Outshines The Farmer’s Dog

September 29, 2025 – A playful rivalry between former Top Gear and The Grand Tour co-hosts James May and Jeremy Clarkson has taken a spirited turn, with May taking a cheeky jab at Clarkson’s Cotswolds pub, The Farmer’s Dog, during an appearance on ITV’s Lorraine on September 25, 2025. May, co-owner of the Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe, Wiltshire, since 2020, dismissed rumors of being banned from Clarkson’s pub, declaring his own establishment superior and closer to home. The exchange, laced with the duo’s signature banter, has ignited buzz among fans, pitting the award-winning, traditional charm of the Royal Oak against the fame-fueled draw of The Farmer’s Dog, featured in Amazon Prime Video’s Clarkson’s Farm. As both pubs vie for attention in the picturesque English countryside, May’s comments have sparked a lively debate on X and Tripadvisor, with visitors lauding the Royal Oak’s cozy ambiance and high ratings over its rival’s chaotic popularity.

The Royal Oak, located in the serene village of Swallowcliffe, Wiltshire, is a historic 18th-century pub and hotel that May has transformed into a “perfect rural hideaway,” according to its website. Boasting a blend of traditional architecture and modern design, it offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere for diners, drinkers, and overnight guests. Just 20 miles from Swindon and roughly 40 minutes from Clarkson’s The Farmer’s Dog in Burford, Oxfordshire, the Royal Oak has earned a stellar 4.5/5 rating from 517 Tripadvisor reviews, outshining The Farmer’s Dog’s 4.3/5. Visitors praise its “super traditional British pub” vibe, with one review noting, “The food was delicious, the staff friendly and efficient. Highly recommend.” Another described it as a “lovely relaxed atmosphere in a very picturesque village,” while a third highlighted an encounter with May himself during filming: “James was his usual low-key, very pleasant self.” The pub’s accolades, including awards for its cuisine and hospitality, reflect May’s hands-on approach, often seen mingling with patrons or filming content for his DRIVETRIBE YouTube channel.

In contrast, The Farmer’s Dog, which Clarkson purchased for £1 million and relaunched in August 2024 after a £1 million renovation, has become a cultural phenomenon, driven by the success of Clarkson’s Farm. The pub, featuring a suspended tractor and a menu of British-sourced ingredients like Hawkstone beer and Condimaniac’s UK-made ketchup, draws thousands of fans weekly. However, its popularity has sparked backlash from Asthall residents, who, per September 2025 parish council minutes reported by the Oxford Mail, complain of noise from loud music until 10 p.m., traffic congestion, and unapproved parking in Barrow Field near a 7th-century Saxon burial mound. Despite these issues, the pub aligns with Clarkson’s #BackBritishFarming mission, offering affordable prices—£5.50 pints, £9 small plates, and mains under £19—though a £24 pie controversy and over 100 thefts of items like pint glasses in 2024 have added to its challenges.

On Lorraine, host Christine Lampard probed May about rumors that he was banned from The Farmer’s Dog, to which he quipped, “Well, apparently. But that’s a bit like being banned from the golf club because I wasn’t going to go anyway.” With his trademark dry humor, May added, “I’ve got my own pub, which is just around the corner. I’m not going to go 75 miles to his. Especially as mine’s better.” The comment, while tongue-in-cheek, highlighted the competitive undercurrent between the two presenters, whose on-screen chemistry has entertained millions for over two decades. May’s claim that the Royal Oak surpasses The Farmer’s Dog has fueled fan debates, with one X user posting, “James May’s pub sounds like a proper gem. Clarkson’s is a circus!” Another defended Clarkson, writing, “The Farmer’s Dog is iconic because of Clarkson’s Farm. May’s just jealous.”

The rivalry taps into the distinct identities of the two pubs. The Royal Oak, with its polished interiors and serene setting, caters to those seeking a quintessential countryside experience, as evidenced by a Tripadvisor review praising its “immaculately kept beautiful old pub” and “superb” food. The Farmer’s Dog, however, thrives on the chaotic energy of Clarkson’s Farm, which has a 9.6/10 rating on China’s Douban platform and draws fans eager to taste Diddly Squat’s produce. Clarkson’s pub has faced scrutiny, including a £27,000 cyberattack in August 2025 and exclusion from the 2026 Good Beer Guide, per the Oxford Mail. Yet, its role in the series, now filming its fifth season for a 2026 release, ensures its prominence, with scenes likely to address 2025’s drought and bovine TB outbreak at Diddly Squat.

May’s involvement in the Royal Oak reflects his quieter, more curated approach compared to Clarkson’s brash ventures. While Clarkson’s £59 million net worth (Forbes 2025) is bolstered by Diddly Squat’s shop and pub, May’s DRIVETRIBE platform, with over 500,000 subscribers, showcases his passion for craftsmanship, as seen in videos with his daughter Izzy Hammond. The pub rivalry has sparked fan speculation about a crossover, with one Reddit user on r/ClarksonsFarm suggesting, “Imagine James, Jeremy, and Richard Hammond doing a pub crawl special. Pure chaos!” Another X post echoed, “May’s Royal Oak vs. Clarkson’s Farmer’s Dog—let’s get Kaleb and Lisa in for a taste-off!” The enthusiasm underscores the enduring appeal of the Top Gear trio’s dynamic, even as they pursue separate ventures.

As Clarkson’s Farm continues to shape Clarkson’s legacy as a farming advocate, with initiatives like the 2024 “Clarkson’s clause” easing farm building rules, May’s Royal Oak offers a counterpoint of understated elegance. The rivalry, while lighthearted, highlights their contrasting styles—Clarkson’s bold, controversy-courting approach versus May’s refined, community-focused ethos. With both pubs thriving despite their challenges, fans are left eager for more banter, whether on ITV, DRIVETRIBE, or a potential Grand Tour-style reunion. Clarkson’s Farm is available on Amazon Prime Video, and the Royal Oak welcomes visitors in Swallowcliffe, promising a cozy escape from the Cotswolds’ chaos.