William Cobbett pub celebrates 40 years of family ownership

The William Cobbett, a historic pub in Farnham, is celebrating 40 years of family ownership. The Rolfe family first took over the lease in August 1986 following the sudden passing of the previous landlord.

After operating both the Cobbett and The Duke of Cambridge in Tilford until 1999, the family focused exclusively on the Farnham establishment. They eventually transitioned the pub to a free-of-tie model and acquired the freehold from a New York-based hedge fund in 2023.

Owner Jess May described the family as custodians of the unique venue, noting its historical interior of timber beams and vintage newspaper cuttings which has remained largely unchanged for four decades.