I admit it. I was fan-girling a bit as our mini-coach pulled into the parking lot of Hawkstone Brewery, near Bourton-in-the-Water in the Cotswolds. As soon as I saw the enormous mural of Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper covering the side of the brewery production building, I knew we had arrived.
©Debbra Dunning Brouillette
Even though I’m more of a wine enthusiast, I was excited at the opportunity to participate in a two-hour tour and tasting at what has become England’s fastest-growing beer brand. That’s thanks in part to the celebrity and marketing savvy of Jeremy Clarkson.
So, Who is Jeremy Clarkson?
Before purchasing Diddly Squat Farm and settling in the Cotswolds, Jeremy Clarkson was a well-known television presenter and journalist, recognized for his work on the motoring programs Top Gear (2002–2015) and The Grand Tour (2016–2024). He has also served as host of the British version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? since 2018. (We watched a few episodes in our hotel rooms during our trip.)
Clarkson’s Farm Series on Amazon Prime
I became a huge fan after watching all four seasons of Clarkson’s Farm series, which debuted on Amazon Prime in 2021. A fifth season is coming; release date TBA.
If you’ve never watched, here’s the Official Trailer for it on YouTube:
Clarkson’s Farm has quickly become one of Amazon’s biggest hits in the UK. The show follows Jeremy Clarkson as he swaps his TV career for the unpredictable world of farming, trying to run his 1,000-acre Diddly Squat Farm in the Cotswolds. (In case you’re wondering, he renamed it Diddly Squat to indicate its “lack of productivity.”)
Along with his trusty farm manager, Kaleb Cooper, they tackle all the ups and downs of farming, from crazy weather that can wreck a harvest to battling diseases among his livestock, struggles with finances, and dealing with red tape. It’s a mix of real farming challenges with plenty of laughs along the way.
Beyond being lighthearted entertainment, boosted by Clarkson’s signature wit, I’ve learned a lot about the challenges British farmers face. One year, he planted 10 acres of rapeseed, and an outbreak of flea beetles devastated the crop. Another year, he attempted to grow durum wheat as a new crop. Due to heavy rain, the harvest was disappointing. He couldn’t sell the salvaged crop for making pasta, so he sold it for animal feed at a much lower price.
Clarkson aimed to raise public awareness and appreciation for farmers. He’s achieved that.
The Tour Experience at Hawkstone Brewery
Our tour guide, Nigel Spragg, greeted us inside the brewery’s taproom, Hawkstone Arms. Visitors can enjoy freshly drawn pints, purchase bottles to take away, and find local food trucks serving throughout the week.
After donning our “high-vis” safety vests, we were led through the loading area, past the brewing barn—”where the magic happens”—and into the tasting room. As we took our seats, my fan girl experience continued when Nigel mentioned, “You’re also sitting at the table where we meet with Jeremy for regular chats about the business of brewing.”
Before we began sampling a variety of its lagers and ciders, Nigel shared the history of Hawkstone and Jeremy Clarkson’s role, both as brand ambassador and supplier of barley for its brews from his own Diddly Squat Farm.
The Brewery’s Story: From Cotswold Brewing Co to Hawkstone
Clarkson’s decision to enter the brewery business was an extension of his efforts to make farming more sustainable, especially after struggling with poor harvests. Now the prominent face of Hawkstone Brewery, Jeremy Clarkson first became involved as a major investor and co-owner of the Cotswold Brew Co in 2021, along with entrepreneur Johnny Hornby.
Emma and Rick Keene founded the company in 2005 and rebranded it as Hawkstone in May 2022. Rick Keene remains actively involved in brewing Hawkstone lagers as Master Brewer.
Why Call it Hawkstone?
They chose the name Hawkstone, the brewery’s name, after a Neolithic standing stone called the Hawk Stone, located near Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm. Fields nearby grow barley used to make Hawkstone Lager.
(Credit: Hawkstone Brewery)
Beer and Cider Tasting Highlights
As the tasting began, I recalled how it felt when I first began attending wine tastings. What was I supposed to be distinguishing between a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Pinot Noir? My beginner’s palate needed guidance and information, which Nigel provided every step of the way as we tasted four lagers and two ciders.
The Four Lagers We Tasted:
Hawkstone Premium Lager 4.8%: “Lagered for longer” is the tagline for this award-winning Cotswold lager. It received a Gold Award and was named the England Country Winner at the 2025 World Beer Awards. Bold and balanced with a smooth body, it is made using barley from Clarkson’s farm.
Hawkstone Session Lager 4%: Another award-winner, this lager is described as “incredibly moreish.” I discovered this British term refers to any food or drink that is so pleasant and enjoyable in taste that it makes you want more of it. It is described as “light on the palate, subtly hopped, with a sweet, biscuity malt finish.”
My husband, who was almost exclusively a beer drinker before we met, heartily agreed with the “moreish” taste. It was his favorite.
Differences Between IPA and Pilsner
Our guide explained the main differences between an IPA and a Pilsner (Pils) by saying, “IPAs are hoppier and more bitter with a higher alcohol content. Pilsners are more balanced with a lighter, crisper finish.”
Hawkstone IPA 4.8%: Has “a carefully selected combination of characterful hops, giving it bursts of tropical and citrus flavor with a pleasantly hoppy bitterness.” IPAs (India Pale Ales) typically have a higher hop content than lagers, which contributes to the bitterness that some beer drinkers prefer.
Hawkstone 3.8% Pils: Crafted in the classic style with hops taking the lead, this light-bodied lager offers plenty of character with fruity and floral aromas, finishing with a light, bittersweet note.
©Debbra Dunning Brouillette
Other Recent Additions
Two other recent additions to the company’s lineup of beers — Hawkstone Black and Hawkstone Spa Lager — were not available for tasting on the day we visited.
And Then There Are the Ciders
Kaleb Cooper, the farm manager of Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm, prefers drinking cider over lager. He not only helps cultivate and harvest the heritage apples used in the cider but also serves as its marketing “face” and main spokesperson.
I agree with Kaleb on this; I preferred the ciders over the lagers. We tasted two of several Hawkstone Ciders currently on the market.
Hawkstone Cider (5% ABV): Apples sourced from Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire are used to craft the flagship semi-dry cider. Freshly pressed juice (never from concentrate) is fermented with Champagne yeast and aged in oak barrels for six months, producing a rich fruitiness with a crisp, bitter finish. It was a Gold Award winner at the 2025 World Cider Awards.
©Debbra Dunning Brouillette
Hawkstone Hedgerow Cider (4% ABV): This was my favorite of the two. This special edition cider is described as “The Juicy One.” It is made from British-farmed apples, along with juices from British-grown wild fruits like blackcurrants and blackberries. This blend produces a more complex flavor profile, with rich berry aromas and a slightly ruby-red color. It is also fermented in oak barrels for six months. It was awarded Best Fruit Cider in England at the 2025 World Cider Awards.
Hawkstone Rhubastard (4% ABV): This limited-edition cider, which blends British farmed apples with rhubarb, wasn’t available for tasting the day I visited. Described as “The Tarty One,” customer comments say it’s the perfect cider to enjoy on a hot summer day.
The Brewing Process
After our tasting, we walked through the brewery to view the brewing equipment. The large stainless steel fermentation and storage tanks play a vital role in maintaining quality during fermentation and aging of the beer.
While the industry average is around nine days, Hawkstone’s lager is matured for approximately four to six weeks. “We call this extended maturation process lagering,” Nigel Spragg explained. “Like laying down a fine wine, it helps us produce a smoother, more balanced lager with a clear, distinctive flavor.”
He added, “All our ingredients are British including our hops. We’re working with British hop farmers to help facilitate more choice and more growth in the UK, so we’re not dependent on New World and American hops.”
Hawkstone ciders are brewed in oak barrels for six months in a different part of the brewing facility.
Hawkstone’s Rise to Fame
The celebrity charisma of Jeremy Clarkson, its premium brewing process, using barley from his farm, and an aggressive and engaging marketing campaign have all contributed to Hawkstone’s rise to fame.
It’s mind-boggling to realize that Hawkstone has become England’s fastest-growing beer brand. It is also one of the fastest-growing companies in Britain overall since its launch in 2022. It’s now being served at over 2,000 pubs across the United Kingdom.
©Debbra Dunning Brouillette (photo of poster in Hawkstone’s tasting room)
If You Go
Hawkstone tours last about two hours. They include a guided walk through the brewery facilities, along with a generous tasting session of its lagers and ciders. A vodka distilled by the brewery is also usually offered following the beer and cider tastings.
Tours are available on Saturdays, Sundays, and most weekdays throughout the year. They can book up quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead. To view the calendar and book a tour, follow this link.
If you can’t fit in a tour, enjoy a pint of your favorite lager or cider in the brewery’onsite bar, the Hawkstone Arms. Local food offerings from independent food trucks are available to guests throughout the week.
Visit the Farmer’s Dog Pub and the Diddly Squat Farm Shop
The Farmer’s Dog Pub
Although our tour didn’t stop at The Farmer’s Dog Pub, which opened in late August 2024, we caught a glimpse of it as we drove by. Season 4 of the Clarkson’s Farm series featured Clarkson’s search for a pub to buy, along with details of its renovation and opening.
Clarkson’s venture into pub ownership was designed to support local British produce and create new opportunities for British farmers to sell and display their goods to a broader audience. Menu items are made entirely with ingredients from British farms.
Stop by to enjoy a pint of Hawkstone lager at The Farmer’s Dog Pub. Credit: Ian Conway
The pub’s huge popularity has made parking tough, attracting many visitors eager to enjoy this famous spot. Long lines have become a normal occurrence, especially on weekends.
The Diddly Squat Farm Shop
If time allows, you may want to consider visiting The Diddly Squat Farm Shop, near Clarkson’s farm of the same name outside Chipping Norton. It was founded in 2020 to sell produce from his farm—such as potatoes, garden vegetables, honey from his beehives, and flour from his wheat. Since then it has expanded to include products from local farmers and other gift items.
How about taking home some Cow Juice Vodka? This unique distilled spirit is actually made using milk (whey) from the farm’s cows rather than grain or potatoes.
After shopping, enjoy a Ploughman’s Lunch or a burger at the Big View Café.
Visit All Three!
Here’s an idea… visit all three. I’ve dubbed it the Clarkson Cotswold “Trifecta.” I was chuffed (British slang for “pleased” or “delighted”) that we were able to take part in the Hawkstone Brewery Tour. However, I was a bit disappointed by the time constraints of our small group tour. It prevented us from visiting either the Farmer’s Dog Pub or the Diddly Squat Farm Shop.
If your plans to visit the Cotswolds are more flexible, adding these three stops to your itinerary would be simple. All three are within a 25-minute drive of each other.
Our tour and tasting at Hawkstone Brewery was part of a small group tour of England with Adeo Travel.
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Read more from Debbra on her website: Tropical Travel Girl
