I spent £55 on Jeremy Clarkson's farm shop delivery service – one item left a bitter taste

Regardless of personal opinions on Jeremy Clarkson, his venture into the food and beverage industry has garnered considerable attention. The former Top Gear presenter has become a strong advocate for British farming since establishing his farm, and he demonstrably supports domestic agriculture through his product offerings.

At his Diddly Squat Farm Shop in the Cotswolds, only products grown on-site or sourced from local suppliers are available. Furthermore, at his nearby pub, The Farmer’s Dog, he has famously prohibited items such as ketchup, coffee, and Coca-Cola due to their non-British origin.

This commitment has not deterred patrons, who travel from across the UK to experience a Sunday lunch – often booked several weeks in advance with limited seating times – or to join the significant queues at the farm shop.

For those seeking to avoid the queues, an alternative now exists to sample Diddly Squat’s offerings. Clarkson has partnered with Deliveroo to provide home delivery for a selection of his farm shop products. Launched on Tuesday, the service is currently available, while supplies last, through Deliveroo HOP Morrisons stores in Bristol, Brighton, London, and Manchester. Our reporter was among the first to assess the new service.

Diddly Squat Farm Shop Product Review

Pork Scratchings – £1.99/50g

For a truly authentic Clarkson’s Farm experience, these pork scratchings are a strong starting point. Upon opening the packet, a robust, farm-like aroma is immediately apparent. For those undeterred by the smell, they deliver on all expectations for this classic pub snack: intensely salty, satisfyingly crunchy, and with a tender, fatty interior.

Hand-cooked Crisps (Lightly Salted & Cheese and Onion) – £1.99/40g

The price point initially suggested larger, sharing-sized bags. However, the portion size is closer to standard individual crisp packets. While seemingly expensive compared to budget brands, these crisps are a demonstrably superior product. Made with Diddly Squat potatoes and free from artificial additives, they are available in lightly salted (primarily tasting of sunflower oil) and cheese and onion (featuring mature Hereford Hop cheese). Acceptable in quality, but for the price, more economical alternatives might be preferred.

Bee Juice Bites – £5/150g

These chocolate-covered honeycomb pieces were a clear favorite in the taste test, proving popular within the office. Many considered them an improvement over similar confectionery. The name, however, may be slightly misleading as “Bee Juice” is the brand name for Diddly Squat’s honey, which does not appear to be an ingredient. The chocolate also presented as somewhat inexpensive relative to the overall price. The ingredient list reveals a modest 3% cocoa powder content, with sugar, whey, and sustainable palm oil as primary components. Despite deviating somewhat from the farm shop’s wholesome image, their appeal remains undeniable.

Diddly Squat Farm Fudge – £5/150g

Produced by The Cotswold Fudge Company, this fudge is a traditionally made, crumbly variety crafted to a classic recipe. It offers a rich, buttery taste experience, but is intensely sweet, making it challenging to consume more than a small portion at a time. The Diddly Squat branding also carries a price premium; identical fudge from The Cotswold Fudge Company is available directly for a lower price.

Diddly Squat Bee Juice Pure Honey – £12.50/350g

The price of this honey is notably high. Its £12.50 price tag previously generated headlines when Clarkson defended the cost against online criticism. However, the honey itself is of remarkable quality. It is a set honey, characterized by a fruity, floral flavor profile and a crystalline texture that readily dissolves on warm toast. While typically used in cooking, this honey is enjoyable even when consumed directly. Nonetheless, the significant price may still be a deterrent for many.

Chilli Pasta Sauce – £5.99/250g

The habanero heat in this sauce delivers a noticeable initial sting. Beyond the intense chilli kick, the tomato and pepper base exhibits a fresh, sweet, and slightly acidic character. Initially met with skepticism, the sauce proved palatable in a taco, and when simmered and combined with linguine, prawns, and parsley, it was deemed enjoyable. However, the price may be prohibitive given the ease of preparing a similar, cost-effective arrabbiata sauce at home.

Chilli Garlic Rapeseed Oil – £5.99/250ml

A small amount of this oil provides a significant heat intensity. Once the initial spice subsides, the oil presents a relatively neutral flavor compared to fruitier olive oils. It would be well-suited for enhancing pasta or pizza, or as a foundation for cooking spicy dishes.

Hawkstone Beer and Cider – £2.99/250ml (beers), £2.99/500ml cider

Produced in partnership with the former Cotswold Brew Co, Clarkson’s Hawkstone brewery offers a selection of beers, with four available via Deliveroo. The Hawkstone Session Lager (4%) is characterized as crisp, clean, and citrusy, while the Hawkstone Lager (4.8%) offers a richer, maltier profile. Additional options include a lighter Hawkstone Pils (3.8%) and a Hawkstone IPA (4.8%).

While not groundbreaking, the Hawkstone range represents a dependable selection of classic British beer styles, comparable to offerings found in many pubs. These were also perceived as the most reasonably priced items within the Diddly Squat Deliveroo range.

Hawkstone Cider, crafted from locally sourced heritage apples, is also available. Described as medium-dry, it presents as sweeter than anticipated, with a sparkling quality derived from champagne yeast fermentation. It is a refreshing choice, particularly on warmer days.

For those seeking more premium beverages, Diddly Squat Cow Juice Vodka and Bee Juice Rum are also offered. However, after a substantial initial order, further indulgence was deemed unnecessary.

Conclusion: Diddly Squat Delivery Verdict

Evaluating a delivery service for farm shop products presents a unique challenge. A significant part of the appeal of farm shops lies in the in-person experience of visiting the location and connecting with the origin of the food. This element is inherently absent from a delivery model.

During a visit to Diddly Squat Farm Shop, purchasing higher-priced souvenirs or food items would likely be more readily considered. However, the convenience of Deliveroo might not fully justify the premium pricing for repeat purchases. The Deliveroo HOP ordering process itself was efficient and seamless, suitable for urgent shopping needs.

The Diddly Squat range via Deliveroo could serve as a convenient, last-minute gift for enthusiasts of Clarkson’s Farm. For routine personal shopping, more economical alternatives may be preferable.