Torbay pub’s big win puts it in line for a visit from Clarkson’s Farm star

A family-run Torquay pub is preparing for a festive delivery after winning a Christmas tree in a national promotion led by farmer and Clarkson’s Farm star Kaleb Cooper.

The John Bull, on Chatto Road, was shortlisted in Hawkstone Cider’s annual Christmas tree giveaway, which rewards pubs that stock its cider on tap.

A handful of winning venues also receive a personal visit from Cooper, who runs Jolly Pines, the British-grown, zero-waste Christmas tree business supplying the trees. After Christmas, they are collected and recycled into renewable energy, including CHP biomass and wood pellets.

Landlady Claire said the pub’s entry relied on the help of its enthusiastic pub dog, Dexter. “Dexter loves the camera and we went with it,” she said. “He’s absolutely convinced he can make it happen.”

The tree is due to be delivered to the pub in the second week of December, with staff hopeful Cooper himself could be the one to drop it off.

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The Hawkstone Christmas initiative promotes its award-winning cider while supporting pubs during their busiest season. Founded by Jeremy Clarkson and his business partners, Hawkstone produces cider using freshly pressed British apple juice fermented in oak barrels.

The brand says the promotion is designed to bring “festive cheer” to the hospitality sector while highlighting sustainable British farming.

The John Bull’s win has already sparked excitement among regulars, with the pub saying it hopes the delivery - hopefully by a certain someone - will help kick off the Christmas season in style.