Diddly Squat Farm Shop — Local services in West Oxfordshire

There are probably very few people who’s lives have been more impacted by Clarkson’s Farm more than me. Randomly deciding to choose to watch that show one day in 2021 literally altered the course of my life, and pulled me out of the darkest place I’d ever been. Saying that, my visit this week to Diddly Squat Farm Shop was something I’d waited to do for a very long time, much anticipated.

I’ll start with the journey to get there, and here’s my advice, if you’re visiting in the summer, especially this ~33°c heat we have at the moment, make sure you’ve got solid air conditioning, and in all likelihood prepare for a long drive. I’m based in South Wales and thankfully the drive was simple, but by no means easy or fun. For me the trip consisted of few turns and good wide roads, even the lanes my satnav decided to take us on were wide, presumably due to the area’s arable farming, and need for easy access for agricultural equipment. Upon getting to the car park, if you’re lucky like I was (time was roughly 2pm on a Thursday) there will be adequate parking. There were at least 3 parking attendants to guide cars to spaces, and hats off to them they did a great job, they were extremely helpful and especially working in such hot weather too.

Naturally, there was a sizeable queue to get into the farm shop, I’d estimate we waited for about 10-15 minutes, which all things considered I didn’t think was too bad, although I was very glad I wore 50 SPF in this weather.

As for the farm shop itself, if you’ve seen the show you’ll know that it’s by no means massive. They have a fair amount of goods on sale (all local obviously), including a fresh fruit and veg stand outside, a refrigerator with local/on-farm meats, as well as milk, juices, and milkshakes. Against the walls they had shelving with things like fudge, honeycomb, crisps, jams, honey, etc. In the centre of the shop they sold fresh goods like bread and pastries, as well as Hawkstone products, I noticed Kaleb’s cider in particular. There was plenty more on offer than the aforementioned, but that’s all I can remember off the top of my head. The young man serving us was very pleasant and helpful, fair play to him and the others because it must be a difficult job to serve so many people non-stop in this heat.

After our time in the farm shop, we went to the old lambing barn to get some lunch. Do be warned, as with the farm shop, the prices are a little higher than elsewhere, but you’ve got to remember this is something of a tourist destination, on top of being a farm shop which you’d expect to have slightly higher prices anyway. I paid about £14 for their top of the range burger, which was absolutely delicious, and £5 for a soft serve ice cream, which was fantastic too. Their system was something I’d not seen before, you order your food at the bar in the lambing barn, and they give you effectively a large beeper/buzzer, which rings when your food is ready to collect from the van outside the barn. There were some tables available outside when we visited but at busier times I’d imagine you’ll be eating your food stood up somewhere or in your car.

Overall would I go again? Probably not, but not necessarily in a a bad way, and that’s again coming from someone on whom the tv show had an absolutely massive impact. Whether originally intended to be or not, it is a tourist destination, and once you’ve visited once, you’ve kind of seen/done it all really. The farm shop has great produce for sale but no more than any other farm shop, the attraction is that it’s ’the one from Clarkson’s Farm’, and I can’t imagine many locals are visiting this one considering the long queues etc. However, if you’re a fan of the show, I’d definitely recommend visiting once.

I’m rating Diddly Squat Farm Shop 4/5 stars, and again just want to congratulate their team for...

Diddly Squat Farm Shop, established by Jeremy Clarkson in 2020, is situated in the scenic Cotswolds near Chipping Norton. The shop has garnered significant attention, largely due to its association with Clarkson's Amazon Prime series, "Clarkson's Farm." Visitors are drawn to its rustic charm and the opportunity to purchase locally sourced produce.

Product Offerings

The farm shop offers a variety of products, including fresh produce, artisanal goods, and branded merchandise. Notable items include Hawkstone Lager, a beer developed in collaboration with a local brewery, and "cow juice," a colloquial term for milk available from an on-site vending machine. Additionally, visitors can find pork pies, sausage rolls, chutneys, and other local delicacies. The shop also sells branded merchandise such as T-shirts and mugs, appealing to fans of the show.

Visitor Experience

The shop's popularity often results in long queues, with wait times sometimes exceeding an hour, especially during weekends and holidays. Visitors recommend arriving early to minimize waiting. The shop's interior is described as cozy, with a one-way system in place to manage the flow of customers. Adjacent to the shop is a barn area where visitors can enjoy food and beverages, including the acclaimed Hawkstone Lager and cider. The surrounding countryside offers picturesque views, enhancing the overall experience.

Pricing and Value

Some visitors note that products are priced higher than average, which is common in farm shops offering locally sourced and artisanal goods. Many patrons feel that the quality of the products justifies the cost, and the unique experience adds value. However, some reviews suggest that certain items may not meet expectations relative to their price.

Staff and Service

Reviews frequently commend the staff for their friendliness and efficiency, even during busy periods. The team manages queues effectively and maintains a welcoming atmosphere, contributing positively to the visitor experience.

Facilities and Accessibility

The farm shop provides on-site parking, which can become crowded during peak times, leading to the use of overflow areas that may be muddy in wet conditions. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear. The shop has clean restroom facilities, though some reviews mention a limited number of toilets, which can result in queues.

Overall Impression

Visiting Diddly Squat Farm Shop offers a distinctive experience, especially for fans of "Clarkson's Farm." The combination of high-quality local products, the charm of the Cotswolds setting, and the association with Jeremy Clarkson makes it a notable destination. While some aspects, such as pricing and wait times, may be considered drawbacks, many visitors find the experience worthwhile and memorable.

Recommendations for Potential Visitors

Timing: Arrive early, preferably at or before the 9:30 AM opening time, to avoid long queues.

Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes, especially during or after rain, due to potentially muddy parking areas.

Expectations: Be prepared for higher prices typical of artisanal farm shops and consider the experience as part of the value.

Facilities: Plan for possible waits for restrooms and limited seating during peak times.

In summary, Diddly Squat Farm Shop provides a unique blend of quality local produce and celebrity association, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Cotswolds countryside. For those interested in experiencing a slice of "Clarkson's Farm" firsthand, it is a destination worth...

We came over from Australia, and visiting Diddly Squat was an absolute must. Thankfully, getting parked was easy ( but muddy and to be expected….. I was in a hire car, so recommend carrying a change of shoes for those wet days, just in case). I expected the shop to be a little bit pricey, so wasn’t upset, and we thoroughly enjoyed all of our purchases. Because it was really busy in the shop, I felt a bit rushed and would have liked a better look at everything, there were so many exciting things to look at. every body was in good spirits and excited to be in the shop. Would possibly have spent a bit more if I could have gone around a bit slower. The food outside was delicious, and whilst I’m not a fan of sausage rolls, I did indulge and had the pork, Brie and sage sausage roll……. it was to die for. My son enjoyed his beer and Diddly Squats Le Pop. I just wished I had a pen so that I could have signed the wall! The only grumble was the woman in the shop being a bit snappy with me when I asked to buy 3 tea towels. I forgot that if it isn’t made on the farm, they can’t sell it in the shop. Given me and my son spent at least 250.00 pounds, she could have said no without the grumps, I know she must say it 500 times a day, but that was a bit irksome. Maybe some reminder notices that they can be purchased at the pub in Burford would be helpful. Diddly Squat was well worth the visit, and the Cotswolds are stunning . Wished we could have caught a glimpse of all of the cast and fear I ate Jeremy’sdelicious pig in my gorgeous sausage roll ….. oh well. One request, please repaint the Diddly Squat sign before my next visit in 10 years or so!

Save your money for your trip to the farm, choose your time well and you won’t be disappointed. Also, look online because you can get an idea of the goodies available to buy. PS thankfully the candle that smells like Jeremy’s bllcks didn’t! Lol. Keep up the good work Jeremy and Co., we love you here in Australia, thank you for supporting farmers. PPS my photo makes the shop look empty, it def was busy, I had a lucky photo opportunity. Also, pork pie...