Clarkson hopes to take on Cotswold pub

Jeremy Clarkson has his eyes on The Coach and Horses, which is just across the A429 from his Hawkstone Brewery

Jeremy Clarkson says he is planning to champion British farming by taking on a pub.

The Clarkson's Farm star, who lives in the Cotswolds, hopes to run The Coach and Horses, which is opposite his Hawkstone Brewery and close to Bourton-on-the-Water.

A new premises licence was recently approved for the pub on the Fosse Way.

Mr Clarkson shut down claims from the parish council after he was accused of wanting to "create a party town".

Cotswold District Council granted a licence to the pub, owned by The Stonegate Group, to sell alcohol from 11.00 until 23.00, seven days a week.

The pub's agent told the licensing meeting in February that they would like to let the pub to a new tenant, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"It would have a really good food offer to encourage people to visit," they said.

"There would have to be significant investment."

It is understood that an investment of £750,000 is needed, as the pub is in a poor state "with a hole in the roof".

The pub is in serious need of work

Mr Clarkson is said to be interested in the pub after he was spotted with a film crew in the car park earlier this year.

He is understood to have visited Gloucestershire County Council to discuss highways concerns for the site in March.

Concerns have been raised by villagers that there may be a huge increase in traffic, if Mr Clarkson were to take on the 18th century pub.

Initial plans for events across the road have been withdrawn after they sparked concerns among residents.

'Parking nightmare'

Councillor Len Wilkins said that particular licensing application was for a capacity of 4,000 people at the site.

“You can only get there by car,” he said.

“The car park would have been a nightmare.

“You could be looking at 1,000 cars on the Fosse just trying to get there.

“There is also concern about the car park at the Coach and Horses not being big enough.”

But plans for the pub are understood to be on hold until highways concerns are surmounted.

“We already have a problem with the Fosse on a busy day,” Cllr Wareing said.

“Can you imagine if people on Amazon hear Mr Clarkson’s got a pub?”

Hawkstone Brewery have been approached to comment on their plans to expand the site.