Jeremy Clarkson has decided to cease launching new business ventures after a sequence of "total disasters" with his pub and recent health issues.
The ex-Top Gear presenter, aged 65, ventured into the hospitality industry by opening The Farmer's Dog pub in August last year, spurred on by the success of his Diddly Squat farm shop.
Despite investing £1,000,000, Clarkson has been frank about the difficulties in turning a profit. As costs escalated prior to Christmas, he conceded to experiencing a "total disaster" and harboured concerns over recouping his investment, amidst criticism for his pub's steep pricing.
In his column for The Times, he recounted various operational troubles, including theft of glasses, hiring "a whole team of chemically trained hazmat engineers" following an incident in the toilets, and lamentable turkey sales which saw only five sold. On top of the challenges in managing the farm and the pub, the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
host suffered a severe health scare that led to an emergency hospital trip, narrowly escaping death.
Discovering one artery was entirely obstructed and another nearly so, he underwent an operation after waking up feeling "clammy", with chest tightness and peculiar sensations in his arm. Clarkson has now emphatically stated his reluctance to engage in further entrepreneurial endeavours, reports the Mirror.
Speaking frankly with The Times, Clarkson declared: "I'm done with business now. I am not starting another business as long as I live.
"I don't understand it and am not motivated by money. I just want a good craic."
These open words follow the TV star's serious health concern which involved a stent implant, narrowly avoiding a major heart bypass surgery.
Clarkson has discussed his alarming health struggles, mentioning he was "days from death" after his condition rapidly worsened.
Post-health scare, Clarkson is facing "horrific" lifestyle overhauls such as engaging in physical activities, lowering alcohol intake, and dietary changes, leading to a situation where he feels he's "not allowed to have fun anymore".
Amid these revelations, Clarkson has also been candid about the financial difficulties faced while running his pub, detailing the pressure it has added to his life.
He has shared with The Times his frustration over the hospitality industry, explaining: "It's galling to see how much effort is required to make so little money on the farm."
Further venting his exasperation, he stated: "It's worse at the pub. The customers are coming. There's no problem there. But turning their visits into a profit is nigh-on impossible."
