Diddly Squat Farm Restaurant Menu: What to Expect
The Diddly Squat Farm Restaurant menu attracted massive attention when it launched under the name of British television personality Jeremy Clarkson. It offered a rustic and farm-fresh dining experience that reflected the authenticity of the countryside. Although the formal restaurant is no longer in operation, the Diddly Squat Farm still provides food options through a food truck and farm shop. This article explores what the menu used to include and what food options are currently available.
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What is Diddly Squat Farm?
Diddly Squat Farm, located in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, is the brainchild of Jeremy Clarkson, best known for his work on Top Gear and The Grand Tour. He launched this venture as a part of his Amazon Prime show “Clarkson’s Farm,” which follows his journey in learning to manage a farm. With the success of the show, the farm quickly became a tourist hotspot.
The restaurant was introduced as a new way to enjoy the farm’s fresh produce. The Diddly Squat Farm Restaurant menu focused on ingredients sourced directly from the land. Unfortunately, due to planning disputes with the local council, the restaurant was forced to close. However, visitors can still enjoy many of the same dishes through alternative food services at the farm.
The Current Diddly Squat Farm Food Options
Even though the restaurant has shut down, the Diddly Squat Farm spirit lives on through the food truck and outdoor seating near the farm shop. Visitors can still enjoy a farm-to-table experience with dishes prepared fresh on-site.
Here is a table showing what you can currently expect from the available food service:
| Dish Name | Main Ingredients | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farm Beef Burger | Farm beef, cheese, bun, sauces | A juicy burger made with farm-raised beef, served hot and fresh | £8 – £10 |
| Sausage Brioche Roll | Pork sausage, brioche bun | A soft, flavorful roll with farm-made sausage | £6 – £8 |
| Chips with Dips | Potatoes, homemade condiments | Hand-cut chips with Clarkson’s favorite sauces | £4 – £6 |
| Seasonal Salad Box | Fresh farm veggies, herbs | A light salad with seasonal veggies and herbs | £5 – £7 |
These options reflect the original Diddly Squat Farm Restaurant menu philosophy of keeping things local and simple. Items are prepared from produce grown or sourced from the nearby community, maintaining freshness and quality.
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Outdoor Dining at the Farm Today
Although the restaurant no longer operates inside a building, the dining experience has moved outdoors. The food truck provides all the meals and there are picnic-style benches scattered across the farm premises. The casual setting still allows visitors to enjoy the countryside atmosphere.
Here’s a breakdown of the current food and service setup:
| Area | Service Provided | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Food Truck | Hot meals like burgers and sausage rolls | Open Wed–Sun, food served till 3 PM |
| Outdoor Seating | Picnic tables and benches | Weather-dependent, casual setup |
| Farm Shop | Local products like milk, honey, and jam | Also includes condiments used in the food truck |
This new format still aligns with the Diddly Squat Farm Restaurant concept by delivering tasty, fresh, and rustic food to every visitor.
Jeremy Clarkson’s Influence on the Menu
Jeremy Clarkson’s presence at the farm undeniably added flavor—both literally and figuratively. He was closely involved in designing the Diddly Squat Farm Restaurant menu, often insisting on no-fuss dishes packed with flavor. Clarkson aimed to prove that simple British meals could be just as satisfying as anything offered at a fancy eatery.
His love for local, sustainable food was evident in every meal. He famously criticized over-complicated dishes and pushed for hearty British staples that were both affordable and delicious.
Menu Style and Dining Concept
The restaurant leaned heavily on rustic British cuisine. Think of shepherd’s pie, roast chicken, sausages, and black pudding. The aim was not to overwhelm with variety but to deliver a few excellent dishes made perfectly.
Also, the presentation was intentionally informal. Meals were served on wooden trays, and diners sat on hay bales or reclaimed wood furniture. It wasn’t just a meal—it was an experience built around the farming lifestyle.
Comparison Table: Then vs Now
Here’s how the original restaurant compares to what’s currently available at the farm:
| Feature | Original Restaurant Experience | Current Outdoor Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Dining Style | Indoor with table service | Outdoor picnic-style seating |
| Menu | Verbal, seasonal, no printed list | Simplified selection from food truck |
| Main Offerings | Meat-based meals, stews, pies | Burgers, sausage rolls, chips |
| Special Features | Cooked by professional chefs | Quick-serve by trained staff from food van |
| Atmosphere | Rustic indoor with views of the fields | Scenic outdoor, casual vibe |
| Availability | Temporarily closed due to planning dispute | Open Wednesday to Sunday, food served until 3 PM |
Fans’ Reactions and Public Reviews
Despite its short lifespan, the Diddly Squat Farm Restaurant menu left a big impression. Food critics and everyday visitors alike gave glowing reviews. Many loved the freshness and authenticity of the meals. Others appreciated the unique concept of eating what the farm could provide, rather than what was imported or mass-produced.
Some reviews noted how surprising it was to enjoy high-quality food at a place known more for farming than fine dining. The unexpected charm and quality made the restaurant a standout, even among culinary experts.
Farm Shop Additions to the Menu
Apart from the hot food, the farm shop sells edible items that are a natural extension of the Diddly Squat Farm Restaurant menu. These include:
- Chutneys and Jams used in sandwiches
- Cold-pressed juices and local cider
- Diddly Squat honey, made from the farm’s own bees
- Hawkstone Lager, brewed from barley grown by Clarkson
These products give fans a chance to take a bit of the menu home with them, extending the experience beyond the farm visit.
The Farm Shop and Food Van: New Faces of the Menu
Even though the original restaurant is now closed due to planning permission challenges, the essence of the Diddly Squat Farm Restaurant lives on through the food van and farm shop. The menu is now available in a more relaxed, outdoor setting, where food is served to-go, and guests enjoy it on picnic benches surrounded by the Cotswold countryside.
Popular Current Menu Items
Let’s take a look at some of the offerings you’ll typically find when you visit the farm now:
| Dish | Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Farm Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diddly Burger | Farm beef, brioche bun, cheddar, onion jam | Juicy, savory, with a sweet onion twist | Made with beef from Clarkson’s herd |
| Sausage Roll | Pork sausage, puff pastry, herbs | Crisp, buttery pastry with a rich, meaty core | Pork reared on-site or nearby farms |
| Loaded Fries | Farm potatoes, cheese, sauces | Crispy and salty, topped with cheese and sauces | Potatoes often grown in surrounding fields |
| Lamb Hotpot (seasonal) | Lamb, root veggies, potatoes | Hearty and filling with earthy tones | Based on farm-available seasonal ingredients |
| Farm Salad | Lettuce, radish, carrots, vinaigrette | Fresh and light with a zesty dressing | Vegetables harvested directly from the garden |
Each of these dishes continues the spirit of the original Squat Farm Restaurant menu—fresh, simple, and filled with character.
Final Thoughts
The Diddly Squat Farm Restaurant menu was never about luxury or gourmet dining. It was a heartfelt attempt to serve real food made from real ingredients. Although the physical restaurant no longer exists, its values live on in the farm shop and food truck.
If you’re planning a visit to Chipping Norton, the farm still offers a delightful food experience. You’ll find locally sourced meals that echo the original menu’s charm. And while you’re there, don’t forget to enjoy the scenery, the humor, and maybe even spot Clarkson himself.
