Inside the Famous Jeremy Clarkson Suite in Mexborough
The Jeremy Clarkson Suite at Empress Rooms is one of Mexborough’s most talked-about stays, combining modern comfort with a playful tribute to one of Britain’s best-known motoring personalities.
The suite became a surprise hit after a simple social media post caught fire, leading to national press coverage and even a mention on Have I Got News For You. But what guests discover when they arrive is that the room’s popularity isn’t just down to its theme.
This is a genuinely luxurious space in the heart of town, finished to a high standard with a super king-size bed, a large Smart TV, quality furnishings and a private en-suite bathroom. The Clarkson references add character, but the real story is the experience itself: a proper night away in a suite designed to feel special from the moment you step inside.
Why the Clarkson Suite went viral
For the mastermind behind the Clarkson Suite, and our company owner Jason Mace, the popularity caught everyone off guard. Speaking to Josh Saunders of The Sun, he said:
“It was a massive surprise… We only posted a picture on Facebook. I never thought it would be a big attraction.”
That’s the magic of it. It wasn’t manufactured or overthought. It was a humorous idea with local sentiment attached, posted online, and the public did the rest.
Jason even admitted he expected another themed suite to take the top spot, but Clarkson stole the show:
“I believed Keegan’s room would have been the most popular, but I was wrong… I guess everyone wants a piece of Clarkson.”
If there’s one thing we know about Clarkson, it’s that people either love him or love to argue about him. Either way, they talk.
What’s actually inside the suite?
The Clarkson Suite is designed as a genuinely high-quality stay, bringing together modern comforts with a distinctive theme that guests remember long after checkout. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a stylish night away in South Yorkshire, whether you’re visiting the area, planning a weekend break, or simply fancy something a little different from the usual.
From the moment you arrive, the suite offers a smooth, modern experience with secure self check-in keypad access. Inside, you’ll find a super king-size bed, a large Smart TV, luxurious furnishings, and a private en-suite bathroom, all finished to a high standard. The Clarkson references and quotes add character throughout, with playful nods to his motoring and TV legacy — and the statement mural above the headboard completes the suite’s signature look.
The overall effect is bold but tasteful: a comfortable, modern suite with genuine personality, designed to feel special without losing that calm, premium finish.
About that mural: “effective birth control”?
Okay, we’ll address it.
When photos of the suite started doing the rounds online, some people joked that waking up to Clarkson’s face looming above you was “effective birth control”.
Fair. The internet is undefeated.
But the reality is this: the mural might be the hook, but the suite itself is the reason many people actually book. Because underneath the laugh, it’s wonderfully finished suite, in a characterful historic building, with modern comfort in a town that’s easier to reach than people think
In other words: you can come for the Clarkson gag… but you’ll stay for the comfort and great local entertainment.
More than a local tribute: it’s a proper night away
The Clarkson Suite is part of a wider set of themed suites celebrating local legends — and that’s what makes it fun. For all of the luxurious facilities and beautiful décor within our historic venue, we're not a faceless chain hotel. We're fully independent. Our hotel has personality.
But you’re not booking viral sensation. You’re booking a modern accommodation experience:
Ideal for a weekend away
Handy for people visiting friends and family locally
Perfect for couples wanting something different
Brilliant for anyone passing through the region via the A1/M1 corridor
Whether you’re coming from Doncaster, Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, Leeds, or further afield, Mexborough makes an unexpectedly easy base.
Make a weekend of it in Mexborough
One of the best things about Empress Rooms being in the town centre is that you can genuinely enjoy the place without needing to plan a military operation.
You can keep it simple:
A walk through town and the local shops
Food and drinks in the evening
A relaxed night in a proper suite
Breakfast, then off for a canal walk or exploring the surrounding area
And if you’re here for something car-related — a show, a meet, a restoration pickup, a parts run — the Clarkson Suite is about as on-brand as accommodation gets.