
'I visited Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm Shop and one thing was unbearable'
As fans of Jeremy Clarkson, Social News reporter Alice Sjoberg and her parents were keen to visit the presenter's Diddly Squat Farm Shop in the Cotswolds - but was it worth the trip?
Diddly Squat farm shop was 'worth the wait'
(Image: alice sjoberg/The Mirror )
Diddly Squat's farm shop opened in 2020 and the development of the store has been eagerly followed by fans of 'Clarkson's Farm' on Prime Video. The Cotswold's-based repository is wildly popular and often has long queues where the shop is situated.
So it made all the sense in the world for Social News reporter Alice Sjoberg to pay a visit with her Swedish parents to see what the fuss was all about. Despite never having visited herself, Alice admitted she was certain her father would enjoy the outing, given the countless hours they spent watching Top Gear together during her childhood.
The drive from her Worcestershire home took just over an hour, and proved slightly more nerve-wracking than anticipated due to her mother's discomfort with driving on the left-hand side of the road.
Nevertheless, they arrived without any mishaps and were promptly guided to a parking spot. Despite arriving 90 minutes post-opening, there was ample parking available in a nearby field, merely a minute's stroll from the farm shop.
Finding themselves at the tail end of an "unbearably" long queue to enter the quaint shop, they joined the back of the line, hoping it would move faster than it appeared to be.
Alice noted: "One of my main criticisms of the farm shop is the lack of shade. While it's pleasant to soak up the sunshine, many of us found it unbearable not having any respite from the sun during the hour-long queue."
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The queue in the hot sun was less than enjoyable
(Image: Alice Sjoberg/The Mirror )
She expanded that, given the situation, it would prove a good idea to provide some form of sun protection, such as a marquee, for those queuing, especially on scorching hot days like this one.
Just outside the shop, a table was heaped with locally grown fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, multi-coloured courgettes, spring onions, and broccoli. To the left of the entrance, there was also a 'cow juice' milk vending machine where customers could buy milk directly from local farmers, although it was out of service at the time.
The local produce table was groaning with fruit and vegetables
(Image: Alice Sjoberg/The Mirror )
Despite initial reservations about the lengthy queue, it turned out to be worth the wait. The shop was somewhat smaller than Alice had anticipated, but it offered everything she had hoped for and more.
From locally sourced meats and dairy products to popular Hawkestone ciders and lagers and Diddly Squat gin.
The reporter did note a few niggles though, saying: "While I could have easily spent more time browsing the shop, the queue system made me feel slightly rushed. The meats and cheeses were enticing, especially the sausage rolls, but due to our plans later that day, I didn't get a chance to buy any."
However, she did manage to snag some gin for her granddad's birthday, an empty Diddly Squat glass milk bottle, a jar of piccalilli pickle, and a fridge magnet. Her parents opted for some locally roasted coffee and a 'bee juice' (honey) handmade soap bar.
Initially, Alice had the impression that the farm might be somewhat lacking in offerings, but she was pleasantly surprised. As it was nearing lunchtime, they decided to try out the bar situated behind the farm shop, having heard favourable reviews about their food.
At first glance, the menu seemed a bit underwhelming, offering only burgers or breakfast items. However, despite its simplicity, the food proved to be "exceptionally good".
The burgers were impressive, with Alice saying it may have been one of the best she'd ever had
(Image: Alice Sjoberg/The Mirror )
Alice chose a halloumi burger, while her parents both went for the 'Big View' burger. When their meals arrived, she was astounded.
The halloumi burger was cooked to perfection, with a slice of roasted aubergine and harissa mayo creating a perfect fusion of flavours, further enhanced by chilli and tomato chutney.
Alice's parents were equally delighted with their burgers, which featured an aged beef patty topped with cheddar, homemade burger sauce, caramelised onions and pickles.
The burger was, in fact "one of the best I've ever had," Alice admitted.
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To summarise, the journalist said: "The memory of that meal alone makes me want to make the hour-long journey back to the farm, especially as the queue for them was considerably shorter than the one for the shop. I would highly recommend it!"
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