A venue in the Cotswolds region is preparing to launch as a rival to Jeremy Clarkson’s The Farmer’s Dog establishment, with plans to begin operations in June after a period of uncertainty about its prospects.
Nigel Bailey is on the cusp of purchasing the former Horse and Radish site situated on Burford Road in Minster Lovell, with the aim of opening the business during the summer when the Football World Cup takes place.
Mr Bailey and his wife, who reside in Brize Norton, saw their offer accepted at the start of the year and expect to finalise the deal with Stonegate soon.
The Minster Lovell establishment had been on the market for £850,000 the previous summer, though the asking price dropped to £650,000 late in 2025.
Mr Bailey has revealed intentions to give the venue a new name, drawing influence from English literary personalities.
According to him, the focus is on selecting a name inspired by British authors, particularly those who drew creative energy from the Cotswolds landscape, which represents the core concept.
The menu will showcase traditional British fare prepared using modern techniques, and he is hopeful about receiving visitors during the busy summer season.
He indicated that the World Cup presents an excellent chance to welcome guests, adding that preparations would kick into high gear as soon as ownership transfers. His contractors are prepared and recruitment of supplies is underway, though full operations will not commence until the property is officially handed over.
The site spans 2.092 acres of attractive Cotswolds countryside and lies within two miles of Jeremy Clarkson’s The Farmer’s Dog location in Asthall.
Nevertheless, Mr Bailey expects the revamped venue to work alongside rather than against the former Top Gear star’s pub as well as The White Hart in Burford.
He believes the establishment would become a vital component of the neighbourhood, with schemes to hold various community events.
The building dates back to 1871, when records first listed it in The Census under the title New Inn.
Over the following decades, the New Inn changed ownership repeatedly, with agreements typically running for around two years.
The New Inn name continued into the 21st century before the venue welcomed customers again in May 2006 following major refurbishment work that involved adding a single-storey extension at the rear and side of the property.
In 2013, the business was renamed The Dovecote before eventually becoming The Horse and Radish.
Planning permission exists for eight shepherd’s huts on the adjacent wild paddock, granted in 2022, and according to Land Registry information, the property most recently changed hands for £465,000 in September 2017.
Inside, there is a trading area split across three zones with several access points, a raised bar section offering 22 seats and entry to three customer lavatories, a central bar counter arranged around an unusual fireplace, and a generous dining space providing seating for 46 covers at the rear.