Jeremy Clarkson has come under fire for his decision to serve squirrel at his countryside pub, drawing criticism for what's been branded as a "hideous bully" move. The former 'Top Gear' presenter is planning to feature the bushy-tailed creature on the menu during a special event that promises "weird and wonderful" culinary experiences.
Animal welfare organisation PETA has lashed out at Clarkson's controversial menu choice. Elisa Allen, Vice President of Programmes at PETA, expressed her disdain: "How desperate does one have to be to turn wildlife into a pub stunt for some kind of shock value straight out of the bargain bin?"
She continued, highlighting the nature of squirrels: "Squirrels are industrious, clever and sentient, but recognising they are also vulnerable, only a hideous bully would take them from their life in a park and slice them up on a plate."
PETA has thrown down the gauntlet to Clarkson and his team, urging them to embrace a more innovative approach: "We challenge Jeremy Clarkson and his sad cronies to dare to try something genuinely bold: compassionate plant-based cuisine."
The star of 'Clarkson's Farm' is set to offer the squirrel dish at his Farmer's Dog pub in the Cotswolds, charging £85 per person. The menu is not for the squeamish, featuring items such as pan-fried brains, lamb's hearts, and snail caviar.
Clarkson, 65, is hosting a Dare Night at his establishment later this month, and it's clear that the offerings will cater to an adventurous palate rather than vegetarians or vegans, reports the Mirror.
This unusual dining experience is slated to be featured in an upcoming episode of his Amazon series 'Clarkson's Farm'.
Clarkson himself has promoted the event, saying: "Fed up with beige, safe food? Want to try new things? Difficult things? Weird things? Well if you're intrigued, join us at the Farmer's Dog.
"This is not an event for the faddy or those of a vegan disposition, as will have a menu filled with all the things that people normally discard. You might hate half of it. But you might go home with a steely determination to eat stomach lining as often as possible."
One Instagram user commented on the pub's offerings: "It looks like road kill."
An announcement by the Oxfordshire establishment reads: "Jeremy and the team at the Farmer's Dog are very excited to bring the inaugural 'Dare Night' event to our dedicated patrons. Whilst the evening is, as Jeremy says, not for the faint-hearted, it will be replete with memorable dishes and novel foods that will live long in the memory.
"The ticket includes three courses plus canapés, all served in the small-plate style on large sharing tables, and will feature the weird and wonderful. From the unconventional like veal sweetbreads, roasted bone marrow and stuffed lamb's hearts to the down-right outrageous like crispy squirrel, snail caviar and pan-fried brain, this menu is certain to both challenge and delight."
The Farmer's Dog has been previously criticised by PETA for not aligning with their stand on veganism. The animal rights organisation targeted the pub last year over pork production and had earlier condemned their practices by presenting them with sombre literature on the harsh truths behind animal product testing.
Jeremy, the former Top Gear presenter, launched his pub in Asthall, near Burford in Oxfordshire, back in August. The opening day saw a significant turnout, with patrons queuing for hours.
His ex-Top Gear co-presenter, James May, also operates a pub and claims it surpasses Clarkson's in quality.
