A FOUR-century-old pub has pulled its last beer after an airfield permanently closed a major access point.
The owners of the Three Compasses pub in Alfold made the devastating closure announcement during the week.
The owners of the Three Compasses pub have announced the closure of the 400-year-old pub[/caption]
Taking to Facebook, they said: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce that our final day of trading will be this Sunday, September 28”.
“The recent months have been very tough for us here at The Three Compasses, with the compass gate shutting for aerodrome access, business has seen an enormous decline and we can no longer financially survive as a result,” the post read.
“We hope everyone can understand that this decision has taken us a while to reach as we love getting to know all of our local customers and are so very grateful for everyone that has showed their continued support.
“We wish everyone the best and hope to see you all again soon.”
Surrounding Surrey residents, including a local MP, were devastated by the news.
Comments poured in on the Facebook post where people expressed their heartbreak.
One person said “never in their life” had they “wanted someone to succeed as much as I did for you”, about the owners of the pub, saying they “put their heart and soul into everything”.
Another wrote “we’ve made some fantastic memories there with you guys. Your food is superb”.
“You worked incredibly hard to try and keep the pub going but unfortunately it wasn’t to be with different obstacles in your way,” a third wrote.
Jeremy Hunt, conservative MP for Godalming and Ash, also took to the social media platform to weigh in.
“It is incredibly sad to learn today of the closure of the Three Compasses in Alfold,” he wrote.
“This comes hot on the heels of the Wheatsheaf in Bramley and the Dog and Pheasant in Brook as the latest pub closing their doors in Godalming and Ash.
“Add to this the reduced passing trade since the closure of access to Dunsfold Aerodrome, and it is no wonder the Three Compasses joins so many cherished local pubs who are struggling to survive.”
The Three Compasses is based not far from Dunsfold Aerodrome and is a pillar of the Alfold village and community for more than 400 years.
The pub is located on one of the oldest known roads in the area – the Sussex turnpike road – connecting Guildford to Newbridge in East Sussex.
The road dates back to 1757.
Beloved by visitors and locals alike, the pub on Wey and Arun Canal boasts more than 100 TripAdvisor reviews.
Patrons said the pub offered an “amazing Sunday roast”, while others said it was a “little gem”.
Dunsfold Aerodrome’s former main access route on Stovolds Hill closed permanently in January 2024.
The closure came as part of the Dunsfold Park redevelopment scheme approved by the Secretary of State in 2018.
The area is set to include the construction of 1800 homes.
A new access route for the aerodrome was opened on Canada Avenue last year.
Would-be drive-by customers no longer pass the pub on the new route, as it is based on Dunsfold Rd, next to the former Compass Gate main entrance.
