Jeremy Clarkson’s ambitious advent calendar venture has hit a snag, but surprisingly, it’s not the hefty £95 price tag causing the uproar. Instead, a wave of frustrated customers are voicing concerns over significant delivery delays as December rapidly approaches.
The “Hoppy Christmas” calendar, brimming with lagers, ciders, gin, and vodka sourced directly from Clarkson’s Diddly Squat farm, promised a festive tipple for each day of December. It also included unique surprises, like a “to-do list” penned by Clarkson himself and his farm manager, Kaleb Cooper – a personal touch for devoted fans.
Demand proved overwhelming. Hawkstone announced a swift sell-out, declaring that the calendars had been snapped up “in record time.” A final calendar was given away in a Facebook contest, leaving the vast majority of hopeful buyers empty-handed… and increasingly anxious.
Social media quickly filled with worried messages. “I ordered the Hawkstone Advent Calendar back in October. Any idea when it will be delivered?” one customer questioned. Others echoed the sentiment, expressing dismay that their orders hadn’t materialized despite weeks of waiting. However, a fortunate few did receive their packages, sharing their excitement online.
This isn’t the first time Clarkson’s ventures have sparked conversation. Last year, the opening of his pub, The Farmer’s Dog, drew attention for its premium pricing. A Hawkstone jumper retailed for £60, while even a simple bottle opener carried a £14 price tag, raising eyebrows among patrons.
Running a pub, Clarkson has discovered, presents unique challenges. He recently voiced his bewilderment over the apparent inability of some customers to accurately use the restroom facilities, lamenting the mystery of missed targets and the impossibility of installing CCTV for answers.
Clarkson’s frustrations haven’t been limited to pub etiquette. Earlier this year, he even considered banning customers with food intolerances after a contentious incident involving a claim of being served beer instead of cider. He described the potential for costly legal battles, fueled by accusations of poisoning, as “commercial suicide.”
Ultimately, the incident highlighted the complexities of navigating modern hospitality and the challenges of balancing a public persona with the realities of running a business – even for a seasoned television personality like Jeremy Clarkson.
