John Smith’s Magnet Ales

 

Address: 2 Apollo Street, York, YO10 5AP

 

Description

Set against a vibrant green background, ‘John Smith’s Magnet Ales’ is spelled out in bold white letters, with a red U-shaped magnet in the corner.

 

 

History

Signs featuring a U-shaped magnet were once a common sight across York, advertising John Smith’s Magnet Ales, a hugely popular beer in the 20th century.

 

Another ghost sign depicting this iconic magnet image can be found elsewhere in the city.

 

John Smith’s Brewery in Tadcaster has brewed beers for generations, including the nitrogenated Extra Smooth and a cask-conditioned variant. This sign specifically promotes their stronger brew, Magnet Ales.

 

 

Magnet Ales remain a staple in the North East of England to this day.

 

After World War II, John Smith’s became one of the largest regional brewers in the country, operating over 1,800 licensed premises. 

 

 

Several York pubs were owned by John Smith’s Brewery, including:

 

• The Golden Ball in Bishophill

• The Sun Inn in Acomb

• The Bay Horse in Fulford

• Thomas’s Hotel on Museum Street (which also has a prominent ghost sign)

• The Golden Slipper on Goodramgate

 

The Heslington Road sign was located not at a pub, but at an off-licence operated by James Todd in 1911, which specialised in bottled Magnet Ales.

 

By the late 20th century, the building ceased to operate as an off-licence and was converted into a residential property, which it remains today.

 

 

Got thoughts or a story to share about this iconic sign? We’re all ears—drop your comments below and join the conversation!