Clarkson’s Farm star shows support for Torquay pub as it launches community campaign

A Torquay pub that recently caught the attention of Clarkson’s Farm star Kaleb Cooper is urging people to keep supporting their locals through January, after a tough year for hospitality.

The John Bull, on Chatto Road, has launched a new “two friends, two pints, twice a week” campaign encouraging people to visit their local pub regularly this month - whether for alcoholic drinks, 0% options or simply to enjoy a social space.

Landlady Claire said the pub relies heavily on local customers and hopes the campaign will remind people how important independent pubs are to their communities, especially at a time when many venues are struggling.

“We’re not trying to encourage excessive drinking,” she said. “It’s about keeping your local pub ticking over. A pub isn’t just for Christmas - it’s a community hub, a social space and somewhere people can come together, especially during the darker winter months.”

The pub recently received a morale boost after being noticed by farmer and television personality Kaleb Cooper, who previously sent a personalised video promising to visit The John Bull after the pub was shortlisted in Hawkstone Cider’s national Christmas tree giveaway in December. Staff say the message brought “huge excitement” among regulars and helped shine a spotlight on the small independent venue.

The campaign itself has also been a community effort, with local resident Scott Evans helping to create personalised promotional videos as part of his new business venture - something Claire says reflects “the spirit of locals supporting locals”.

Alongside alcoholic drinks, the pub is keen to stress that it stocks a wide range of 0% and low-alcohol options and is encouraging people taking part in Dry January to continue visiting.

“Hospitality is really suffering at the moment,” Claire added. “If everyone just supports their local a little bit, it really does make a difference.”

Kaleb Cooper is expected to visit The John Bull later in the year.