The A-list landlords: Celebrity-owned pubs across the UK that are worth a visit, from Jeremy Clarkson’s Cotswolds inn to Daniel Craig’s haunted London boozer

Red carpets, big screens and packed-out stadiums are among the places you might expect to find celebrities spending their time.

But some stars are branching out into the hospitality business, opening pubs alongside their showbiz careers. James Bond actor Daniel Craig is the latest to join the ranks, having recently purchased The Horseshoe, a 250-year-old pub in Clerkenwell.

He is far from the only A-lister to invest in a watering hole, with celebrity-owned pubs dotted across the country.

From Jeremy Clarkson‘s Cotswolds pub to Sir Ian McKellen‘s historic London boozer, which is among the oldest pubs in the capital, these establishments offer something a little different from the usual celebrity haunts.

Here are the celebrity-owned pubs across the UK that are worth a visit.

Daniel Craig, The Horseshoe

Daniel Craig has recently purchased The Horseshoe, in Clerkenwell, London

The James Bond star has plans to refurbish the pub

James Bond star Daniel Craig is the co-owner of The Horseshoe with a group of pals – Soho House owner Nick Jones, Charlie Carroll, the Flat Iron steakhouse founder and Justin O’Shea, the creative director of the star’s lager brand Bad Belze.

The actor has plans to refurbish the pub but has cautioned he won’t be turning The Horseshoe into a modern gastropub. 

The Horseshoe has a special resident living in its walls too, a hangman’s ghost who has haunted the cellar of the bar for decades. 

Mr Craig insisted he isn’t worried about the ghoul and joked to The Times: ‘I don’t know what he drinks but we might have to leave a pint down there: “Here you are Gilbert”.’

Martinis shaken, not stirred? We will soon find out. 

Jeremy Clarkson, The Farmer’s Dog

Jeremy Clarkson opened The Farmer’s Dog in the Cotswolds in 2024

Hawkstone is available on tap and every beverage poured is British

Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson bought The Farmer’s Dog in 2024 for around £1million.

The Cotswolds pub dishes up an all-British menu centred around supporting UK farmers.

Mr Clarkson’s own beer, Hawkstone, is available on tap and every beverage served is British too.

It has raving reviews – a whopping 16,800 on Google – with many commenting on the good food, atmosphere and service.

But there may not be a second pub in the UK any time soon, as Mr Clarkson recently revealed at the Tory Party Conference earlier this month that he is looking at opening one abroad, Metro reports.

James May, The Royal Oak

James May co-owns The Royal Oak in Salisbury

Like his Top Gear co-star, James May also owns a pub – The Royal Oak in Salisbury.

He purchased a share of the watering hole in 2020 reportedly so the Grade II-listed 18th-century inn wouldn’t close down.

Mr May previously opened up about The Royal Oak to the Daily Mail and said: ‘We have incredibly welcoming and great staff. We are not cheap but we are not outrageously expensive either.

‘There is a balance. We have seen the cost of ingredients increase, along with energy bills and staff wages.

‘I am very proud of it. I only invested in this because I have a cottage in the village and wanted to be able to walk to the pub for a pint. It looks after itself.’

The Royal Oak serves a range of seasonal dishes made from local produce and offers nine draught options as well as a range of spirits, wines and soft drinks. 

Sir Ian McKellen, The Grapes 

Sir Ian McKellen owns The Grapes, one of the oldest watering holes in London

Actor Sir Ian McKellen, who played Gandalf in The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, is the proud owner of one of the oldest pubs in London.

The Grapes, which backs on to the Thames near Canary Wharf, was purchased by Mr McKellen 15 years ago.

The watering hole has a 500-year history and Charles Dickens is said to have visited with his godfather in 1820.

These days, it serves up typical pub grub and hosts a pub quiz every Monday, while under 18s aren’t allowed to enter.

It has accumulated nearly 4,000 Google reviews, with many describing it as a ‘cosy’ establishment and commenting on the good-quality food.

Guy Ritchie, Lore of the Land 

Lore of the Land is owned by renowned film director Guy Ritchie

Lore of the Land describes itself as a ‘traditional British pub and restaurant’. 

Owned by renowned film director Guy Ritchie, it can be found in Fitzrovia, London and is spread across three floors. 

Mr Ritchie is responsible for many hit films including Snatch, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels as well as Sherlock Holmes.

He bought the pub in 2018 and opened its doors in 2019. Visitors can sip the pub’s own Gritchie beer and choose from a selection of spirits, wines and cocktails carefully chosen by Mr Ritchie. 

James Blunt, singer, songwriter and owner of two pubs

Singer James Blunt owns two pubs – The Fox & Pheasant and The Carpenter’s Arms

The star purchased The Fox & Pheasant in 2017 with his wife

It seems James Blunt’s talents aren’t limited to just singing and songwriting, he is an experienced pub landlord too. 

He purchased The Fox & Pheasant in Chelsea in 2017 with his wife Sofia Wellesley to save it from property developers and has since transformed the dilapidated boozer into a local gem.

‘It was so bad it used to be called The Fox & Unpleasant,’ he previously said. ‘I’ve invested a lot of love and time and we now brew our own Fox & Fez ale, a fantastic beer loved by all the locals. I try and get down there three times a week. 

‘The staff are obviously slightly embarrassed by me and try and keep me pot-washing downstairs. I’m occasionally allowed behind the bar to pull pints.’

Visitors have the choice of nine different lagers on tap, including the Fox ‘n’ Fez Lager for £7. 

Mr Blunt bought his second pub, The Carpenter’s Arms, in Hammersmith in July. 

According to The Caterer he said at the time: ‘It’s an honour to be the custodian of this beautiful and important local landmark. 

‘I know how much it means to the residents, and I hope we can serve them as well as they have been by Jack and his team. I look forward to seeing you there!’

At the moment, the pub is closed but its website states it will reopen during summer 2027.  

Jodie Kidd, The Half Moon

Jodie Kidd owns The Half Moon in West Sussex

TV personality Jodie Kidd purchased The Half Moon in Kirdford, West Sussex, in 2017 and restored the Grade II listed building with two business partners. 

Now an award-winning establishment, the pub offers a selection of craft beers, cocktails and wines, as well as a menu crafted with British ingredients.

‘Our wish is to establish a home from home, somewhere vibrant, welcoming and charming, where guests can enjoy exceptional British produce with international flavours inspired by my travels,’ Jodie Kidd says, on The Half Moon’s website. 

Rick Astley, Mikkeller Bar