The culinary venture of Jeremy Clarkson, the former 'Top Gear' presenter, has ignited significant controversy as he prepares to serve squirrel at his countryside pub, the Farmer's Dog, located in the Cotswolds. This unusual dish is set to feature on the menu during a special event dubbed 'Dare Night', scheduled for later this month, enticing patrons with promises of "weird and wonderful" culinary experiences.
Animal welfare organisation PETA has publicly denounced Clarkson's menu choice, labelling it as a "hideous bully" move. Elisa Allen, PETA's Vice President of Programmes, articulated her disapproval, stating, "How desperate does one have to be to turn wildlife into a pub stunt for some kind of shock value straight out of the bargain bin?" She described squirrels as "industrious, clever and sentient," and characterised Clarkson's decision as particularly egregious, asserting that only a "hideous bully would take them from their life in a park and slice them up on a plate." In a direct challenge to Clarkson and his team, she urged them to consider a more empathetic culinary direction: "We challenge Jeremy Clarkson and his sad cronies to dare to try something genuinely bold: compassionate plant-based cuisine."
The event at the Farmer's Dog is priced at £85 per person, aimed specifically at adventurous diners prepared to explore offbeat dishes. The menu includes a variety of unconventional items, such as pan-fried brains, lamb's hearts, and snail caviar, clearly targeting a demographic that is far from vegetarian or vegan. Reports indicate that this unique dining experience will be showcased in an upcoming episode of Clarkson's Amazon series 'Clarkson's Farm'.
In promoting the event, Clarkson highlighted the ethos behind it: "Fed up with beige, safe food? Want to try new things? Difficult things? Weird things? Well if you're intrigued, join us at the Farmer's Dog." He added that the menu would be filled with typically discarded items, inviting diners to confront the unusual and perhaps even leave with a newfound appreciation for dishes they may initially dislike.
An announcement from the Farmer's Dog indicated that this inaugural 'Dare Night' event is designed for those seeking memorable and novel flavours. The programme promises three courses plus canapés, served in a communal style amidst large sharing tables. The menu aims to challenge conventional dining choices with ingredients that might repulse some but delight others, featuring an array of items from veal sweetbreads to crispy squirrel.
Previously, the establishment has faced criticism from PETA for failing to align with the organisation's stance on veganism. Last year, the organisation particularly targeted the pub regarding its pork production practices, presenting literature aimed at highlighting the hardships associated with animal product testing.
The Farmer's Dog was launched by Clarkson in August in Asthall, near Burford in Oxfordshire, and received considerable attention upon opening, with eager patrons queuing for hours. Clarkson's former 'Top Gear' co-host, James May, also runs a pub, which he has claimed surpasses Clarkson’s in quality.
Source: Noah Wire Services