Jeremy Clarkson Hands Out 1,000 Free Kegs of Beer to Help Struggling Pubs

TV Host and Farming Star Steps In

Jeremy Clarkson, known for his TV roles and Clarkson's Farm show, is giving away 1,000 free kegs of his beer to pubs in a bid to support struggling landlords. The columnist and pub owner will distribute 89,000 pints of his Hawkstone lager and cider, brewed using crops from his Cotswolds farm.

A Helping Hand Amidst Challenges

Opening up about his motivation, Clarkson shared, "The only thing saving me from financial ruin is we serve Hawkstone lager and Hawkstone cider." He also encouraged other pub owners to reach out through his website to explore this strategy for themselves.

Kind Gesture but Realities Remain

While the gesture was appreciated by many, some voiced concerns about the impact of 89 pints on struggling establishments. One landlord acknowledged the kindness but noted, "89 pints isn’t going to turn the fortunes of a struggling pub or restaurant." Despite this, the sentiment towards Clarkson and his beer remained positive.

Challenges in the Pub Industry

The initiative comes at a time when the pub industry is facing significant challenges. Nearly six pubs closed each week last year due to various factors, including rising costs and energy expenses. In total, 289 establishments shut down in 2024, leading to 4,500 job losses.

Advocating for Support

Industry leaders have been calling for government support to prevent further closures. The Celeb Report's Save Our Sups campaign aims to raise awareness about the struggles faced by pubs and urges ministers to provide assistance to the sector.