Broadcaster and entrepreneur Jeremy Clarkson is facing legal action after a visitor was seriously injured following a fall at the car park of his The Farmer’s Dog pub.
Elizabeth Palmby, 68, claims she suffered broken ribs and a severe hand injury after tripping on temporary metal sheets covering muddy ground at the venue. The incident has prompted a compensation claim and renewed scrutiny over safety measures at the popular destination.
Visitor Suffers Serious Injuries
Palmby said she fell while walking back to her car after visiting the pub, which opened in April 2024 and has attracted large crowds following the success of Clarkson’s Amazon series Clarkson’s Farm.
According to her account, she caught her foot on an upturned metal sheet, causing her to fall and land heavily. She later discovered she had broken ribs and suffered a deep hand wound that required surgery to remove metal fragments.
Medical treatment included hospital visits and reconstructive surgery to repair the injury, which has left her with permanent scarring.
Trip Meant to Be a Leisure Visit
Palmby and her husband had travelled from North Lincolnshire, first visiting Diddly Squat Farm before heading to the pub the following day.
She described the visit as intended to be a fun outing inspired by watching Clarkson’s television work, including his time on Top Gear.
However, she said the experience became “memorable for all the wrong reasons” after the accident.
Safety Concerns Raised
Palmby claims the aluminium sheets placed over the muddy surface were not secured and posed a hazard to visitors. She said she later returned to the venue to check whether safety improvements had been made but found conditions unchanged.
She also said there were no warning signs alerting visitors to uneven surfaces.
The incident has raised broader questions about temporary safety measures at busy hospitality venues, particularly during wet weather conditions.
Legal Claim Filed
Palmby has instructed Express Solicitors to pursue a legal claim for compensation.
A representative from the firm said property owners have a duty to ensure premises are safe for visitors, adding that the injuries sustained were severe.
Palmby said she decided to take legal action after becoming concerned that others could be injured if conditions were not improved.
Plans for Permanent Car Park Surface
Planning permission has since been granted by West Oxfordshire District Council for a permanent hard surface to be installed at the car park.
However, work cannot begin until a detailed drainage plan is approved, meaning temporary coverings remain in place for now.
Background to the Venue
Clarkson purchased the pub, formerly known as The Windmill, for around R24 million and undertook extensive renovations before opening it to the public. The venue includes outdoor seating and a shop selling farm products and merchandise.
The pub has become a popular attraction linked to Clarkson’s farming venture and television projects.
Separate Injury on Clarkson’s Farm
In a separate incident, Harriet Cowan, a young farmer featured on Clarkson’s Farm, recently revealed she required surgery after injuring her finger while working with equipment.
She later thanked medical staff at Pulvertaft Hand Clinic for treatment.
Ongoing Legal Process
The lawsuit relating to the car park incident is expected to proceed through the legal process, with the case likely to focus on whether adequate safety precautions were in place at the time of the accident.
The situation highlights the responsibilities faced by hospitality operators as visitor numbers increase, particularly at high-profile venues linked to major public figures.
