Jeremy Clarkson may often make headlines with his pub ventures, but his former co-host James May quietly runs a hidden treasure established in the tranquil Wiltshire countryside. Express journalist Chloe Govan set out to explore Swallowcliffe village, a picturesque hamlet just over a dozen miles from Salisbury and a short drive from Stonehenge, where May’s secluded Royal Oak pub offers a charming retreat from city life.
The village is nearly silent except for the lively buzz that fills The Royal Oak’s dining area, the pub and the local church serving as the only public venues within this quaint community. Chloe’s arrival here stirred memories of her earlier visit to Clarkson’s Farmer’s Dog pub in the Cotswolds, prompting a delicious comparison between the two celebrity-owned establishments.
Starting her meal with Padron peppers, Chloe noted the subtle transformation from mild and dry to exciting when dipped in a tangy lime and Korean gochujang mayonnaise – a nod to May’s adventurous blend of global flavors, in contrast to Clarkson’s strict dedication to local British produce.
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Though midday meant skipping May’s potent range of gins, Chloe sampled his beer-battered fish and chips—a dish that stood up well against Clarkson’s classic sausage and mash drenched in gravy enhanced by his own Hawkstone beer. The haddock’s crispy edges, hand-cut chips, creamy mushy peas, and tangy tartare sauce captured the comforting spirit of a traditional pub meal.
One standout difference was the price tag on May’s Chateaubriand Wiltshire beef at £75, a significantly pricier offering than anything on Clarkson’s menu. While Clarkson absorbs the extra cost of sourcing local ingredients, May passes those costs on to his customers. However, dessert prices were comparable, with May’s dark chocolate brownie and sour cherry ripple ice cream delighting Chloe as much as Clarkson’s sweeter options.
The Royal Oak offers weekday lunch deals that soften the prices further, making high-quality dining accessible even on a budget. Despite its remote setting, The Royal Oak is perfectly positioned for exploring nearby cultural gems, including Salisbury’s cathedral—home to the famed Magna Carta—and attractions like Stonehenge, the scenic Stourhead Gardens, and the historic Old Wardour Castle.
Chloe concluded that while The Royal Oak matches The Farmer’s Dog in quality and value, their different strengths—the cosmopolitan flair of May’s menu and Clarkson’s patriotic embrace of British produce—make visiting both pubs a worthwhile experience.