Inside the NEW 'Clarkson's Farm' loved by A-list TV stars & Premier League aces – serving Michelin-star quality produce
10/20/2024 07:24 AM
A COUNTRYSIDE destination loved by A-list TV stars and Premier League aces has been dubbed the new Clarkson’s Farm.
Wortley Wagyu has served up Michelin-star quality beef to the likes of rapper Professor Green and TV host Dan Walker.
A host of Prem stars have also flocked to the the little-known farm, nestled between Rotherham and Barnsley in South Yorkshire.
The 200-acre farm is now drawing comparisons to Jeremy Clarkson’s famous Diddly Squat estate 135 miles away in the Cotswolds.
Founded four years ago by Jake Tue, the farm supplies premium Wagyu beef to a string of Michelin-starred restaurants.
Jake, 29, told The Sun: “People have joked that we’re Yorkshire’s Clarkson’s Farm.
“There are some similarities between us. We’re both proud Yorkshiremen.
“Neither of us planned to go into farming and we’ve both had our wrangles with the council.
“But I’d like to have his bank balance! When something goes wrong for Jeremy, he can throw money at it.
“It’s not quite as straightforward for us. What Jeremy’s done is show another side to farming.
“He’s highlighted how farmers need to diversify and adapt to make money.
“He’s made farm shops trendy and I think we’ve definitely benefitted from that.”
Jake’s farm shop may be smaller than Diddly Squat, but it has quickly developed a reputation for top-notch produce.
A street food hutch serving up mouth-watering Wagyu burgers, loaded fries and steak ramen bowls has locals lining up.
Recent customers include footballers from Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday.
The farm sold more than 1,000 burgers per week during the summer holidays.
TikTok account The Burger Reviews has three million followers – and told them Wortley Wagyu serves up the best burger in Yorkshire.
WHAT’S AT STEAK
Dad-of-two Jake runs the sprawling family farm together with his wife Hayley, chef Jamie Taylor and butcher John Proctor.
He gave up a career with a gas business in London to take on the farm after being gifted the Japanese black cattle one Christmas.
The farm now has 1,000 Wagyu – famed for their highly-marbled and succulent meat and said to be the most luxurious beef in the world.
Jake said: “I come from a farming family but I never intended to farm. I was working in London in utilities.
“But my mum gifted me some Wagyu cattle, so I kept coming back up to look after them.
“It was a hobby at first but then I got more and more of them. I think about how much easier life could have been if I stuck with my old job.
“But I wouldn’t change this for the world now. There’s nothing better than working the land and being my own boss.”
He added: “It’s been a real success because we’ve found a niche with our Wagyu.
“There’s no-one else really doing what we’re doing. I think you will see Wagyu in every supermarket in 10 years.
“People will come to prefer it to Angus beef. We are actively looking for other farmers to join us in producing top quality Wagyu cattle.”
Located on the Trans Pennine Trail, the farm has become popular with cyclists and hikers looking for a taste of the countryside.
Jake has plans to expand the farm, and hopes to put on weddings and day events like pumpkin picking for families.
He said: “It’s as good as going backwards if you’re not moving forwards.
“I want to make our farm a destination place – that people will drive out to come to, just like Diddly Squat.
“I want to build something for the younger generation – farm shops shouldn’t be all oak-beams and afternoon teas.
“I want to build something more edgier and modern. We’d love to open a steakhouse on the farm – that would be the dream.”
COW LOVELY
Geoff Parkin, 81, and wife Laraine, 78, visited the farm shop to buy Wagyu meat for their 60th wedding anniversary.
The couple, from nearby village Thurgoland, spent almost £70 on burgers, mince and steaks.
Geoff, a retired sales manager, said: “Good food is not cheap and this will do us for a lot of meals.
“You can buy two Big Mac meals from McDonald’s and have no change for £20.
“You’ve got no idea what you’re eating or where it’s come from. What we’ve got here is top-drawer.
“It’s just wonderful to have this place on our doorstep and it’s no surprise that it’s doing well. I’m sure Jeremy Clarkson would approve.”
Ryan Sylvester, 36, from Sheffield, made the trip to the farm to grab a 6oz classic burger, which costs £10.
Other popular items on the menu include the £18 Rory burger with BBQ Wagyu beef, cheddar cheese and buttermilk fried chicken.
Another is the £15 Katsu burger, a 6oz patty with deep fried Wagyu beef and katsu sauce.
Ryan said: “It’s the first time I’ve been down to Wortley farm, trying out the Wagyu burgers.
“I’ve had some friends recommend it to me, so I thought I’d give it a go. I’m loving it – it was well worth coming.”
Jeremy Clarkson admits new pub is 'costing a fortune'
JEREMY Clarkson has opened up how much it costs to run his new £1million pub.
He admitted he’s not sure he will ever make back all the money that's been ploughed into the new business.
Clarkson refurbished the formerly defunct Cotswolds pub and opened it to the public in the summer under the new name The Farmer’s Dog.
However, Jeremy, 64, has now opened up about his financial fears as he's come to realise how much it costs to run the country boozer.
During an interview with MailOnline, the presenter admitted the pub's £1,000,000 price tag and ever-increasing costs were a big concern.
"This place is costing us a fortune. God knows if we'll ever make our money back," he said.
The TV presenter has tried to keep his prices affordable, with prices averaging £5.50 for a pint, £9 on small plates and up to £19 on a full meal.
Although these prices have faced some backlash, Clarkson's Farm star Kaleb Cooper hit back at critics telling Metro it's well worth the money.
"I've spent a little time there. It's fantastic, it's great, it's really just a good traditional pub with good food, highlighting the quality of British produce.
"I don't think there's any difference in prices to any other pub," he said.
