3 hours Ago By Chloe Govan
Jeremy Clarkson isn't competing for the cheapest prices - he's not in that race, as he's competing to provide the freshest all British produce instead. While some pubs import cut-price food items from overseas, he's vowed that anything not made locally won't be allowed through The Farmer's Dog's doors. The Clarkson's Farm star has been so scrupulous that he's even banned Heinz ketchup, since it moved production to Poland and Spain.
Not only is Jeremy buying into local farmers' businesses during a time when funding and support for them is at an all-time low, but there are clear benefits to the diner too. Imported food is often loaded with chemical preservatives to keep it fresh on its long journey to the British supermarket or restaurant. Imagine how ripe and juicy freshly picked fruit and veg straight off the vine would taste, compared to a bruised and decaying version that's travelled hundreds or thousands of miles to get to the same place.
Those berries on the now famous Farmer's Dog dessert cakes will be on another level of freshness. Not only can diners potentially expect fewer preservatives and a better taste, but there could be bigger benefits nutritionally as well. Fruit and veg can start to lose their nutrients within hours of being picked, whereas freshly picked items are at their peak ripeness and optimum nutritional value.
Then there's the meat - a crucial part of the debate, as Jeremy's not known for his vegetarian sympathies and visitors to The Farmer's Dog can expect to feast on gammon, sausages and mash and steak pie. Meat from small local farm businesses are arguably more likely to have gone through rigorous quality control measures, as nothing is mass produced. There's a chance that local farms will also be investing in better animal welfare and conditions than the huge international brands.
When buying from a local business, diners know more about the origins of what they're eating, creating a win-win situation. Surely any patriotic Brit with funds to spare for a pub lunch will relish the idea of supporting home-grown businesses while filling their bellies at the same time. Of course, the merchandise in the gift shop is another story, as not everyone will be able to justify paying the best part of £25 for a chopping board, but when it comes to food, there's virtually no argument: those who want to buy British while enjoying fresh, high quality produce, shouldn't see much fault with Jeremy's business model.
It's important to remember as well that the Clarkson's Farm star has been so devoted to delivering the best experience to Brits that he says he's not even profiting from his supposedly overpriced meals. There's only one real concern hanging over the reputation of his business at the moment, and that's his association with controversial hunters . Check out our review of Jeremy's pub here .
.
