Chadlington and Chipping Norton have found themselves thrust into the spotlight as hundreds of fans have descended on Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm since the launch of his hit show on Amazon.
The popularity of Clarkson's Farm has led to thousands of tourists driving to his shop to check out his stock which includes a candle called This Smells Like My B*******, inspired by Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop range.
But despite national newspaper reports that the shop is hitting the trade of local shops and pubs by selling food, and even beer, most seem to think it has actually helped their business.
READ MORE: Controversy for Jeremy Clarkson's farm shop Diddly Squat Farm
Butcher Jim Johnson of Slatters in Chadlington said some of his customers were actually slightly underwhelmed by what was on offer in Mr Clarkson’s shop.
He said: “It hasn’t been a bad thing. We’re getting the odd person in who’s been and is disappointed in his range because he can only sell things from West Oxfordshire.”
And he said that rather than stealing trade, most visitors were going to the shop just to take selfies.
“People aren’t coming there to buy, they’re coming to take photographs,” he said. “We had some people who’d come from West Bromwich just to take photographs.”
Meanwhile community-run village shop Chadlington Quality Foods said footfall in the village had certainly increased at the weekends, but it was too early to say whether or not this was a passing fad linked to the initial roll-out of the series.
A volunteer said: “Chadlington Quality Foods is a long established institution with a loyal customer base and a reputation for high quality produce, so in the long run we're confident of being able to meet any challenge that may come.
Former Witney MP and PM David Cameron at Chadlington Quality Foods and Slatters Butcher
“As for the new fame the series has brought to the village - well, we've always been very happy with the way that the village presently is, although it has certainly made for interesting times and given us plenty to talk about.”
Cllr Dean Temple, whose ward covers Chadlington, said of the TV show: “I must say it has brought quite the increase in my inbox.
“Obviously advertising a business on national (international?) TV was always going to have a massive response with many, I suspect, coming hoping to meet the stars of the show.”
He added: “Hopefully as the novelty wears off the traffic should decrease and local businesses including the newly reopened Tite Inn should see an uptake in trade as those who have travelled far will want to enjoy more of our lovely part of the Cotswolds.
“I am of course working with all concerned parties to sort out the outstanding issues.”
And Linda Maia e Silva owner of the Crown and Cushion in Chipping Norton said the farm had now become something of a local visitor attraction with a lot of her guests hopeful of bumping into the man himself or his sidekick Kaleb Cooper.
She said: “A lot of guests are asking where the farm is. People who’ve booked to come here visit places like Blenheim Palace and now it’s on their visit list as well.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here