The Clarkson’s Farm star secured the backing of local villagers to revive the historic pub
TV presenter Jeremy, 64, is planning to turn the neglected property into a thriving local pub.
Jeremy Clarkson is poised to give his newly acquired Cotswolds pub a major facelift, with plans for an upstairs bar and an extended licence for outdoor alcohol sales.
The 64 -year -old presenter snapped up The Windmill and its surrounding five acres of idyllic countryside near Burford, Oxfordshire, for “less than one million”. The once-neglected wedding venue is set for a grand makeover by the Grand Tour host, who also plans to rebrand it.
The Clarkson’s Farm star is hoping to broaden the pub’s remit for selling drinks beyond the confines of the premises to include the great outdoors. Supporting documents for the application state he wishes: “To update the floor plans to include a bar on the first floor, extend the licensable area outside the premises and include a temporary tent in a fixed location.”
The Windmill is just 12 miles from Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm and its famous farm shop.
Scores of cameramen, producers, directors, boom operators and even drone pilots filled the pub and its carpark from 10am right through until late in the day.
Lisa’s close friendship with one of the show’s stars, farmer and security officer Gerald Cooper, who has become a hit with viewers, was clear as she hugged him warmly when he arrived on the location set for filming.
Later, Clarkson could be seen pontificating to Gerald with his arms flailing on the decking of the pub while cameras captured every angle.
In the late afternoon, Clarkson spent time in the pub car park trying to lift a large metal storage container with a crane, again, as hoards of camera men and producers swarmed around the action.
Speaking about the pub earlier this year, Mr Clarkson said: “There is some work to be done on the pub itself as the cellar is too small, the gable end is falling down, the outside decking area is dangerous, the water is unfit for human consumption, the loft is full of dead rats and the lavatories are illegal.”
A West Oxfordshire District Council spokesperson said: “We have received an application to vary the Premise Licence at the Windmill Restaurant.
“It will follow the legal process for an application for this type which starts with a 28-day public consultation before the council determines the request in line with national guidelines, taking into account any feedback received.”