Address: 3 Museum St, York, YO1 7DT (now Museum Street Tavern)
Description
Adorned with golden letters, the ‘Thomas Hotel’ sign features intricate carvings of jesters, pipe-smokers, fleur-de-lis, and grapes, exuding decadence.
History
Initially built in the early 1700s as a residential house, the building later became part of Ettridge’s Royal Hotel around 1800.
After its purchase by William Thomas in 1858, it became known as Thomas’ Hotel.
In the late 1800s, a distinctive tympanum was added above the entrance—a semicircular decorative wall surface bounded by a lintel and an arch, filled with moulded figures in foliage and a cartouche announcing “Thomas’ Hotel.”
1854 – When the building was part of Ettridge’s Royal Hotel Source: York Press
William Thomas sold the pub in 1876 to Thomas Lightfoot, a brewer from Bedale, but the name was retained.
In 1900, John Smith’s Brewery purchased the property, which at the time boasted eight bedrooms, a bar, two drawing rooms, a coffee room, and a billiard room.
1906 Source: York Press
By 2022, the building was owned by the Stonegate Pub Company, which closed it for conversion into a Be At One cocktail bar. In 2023, it reopened as the Museum Street Tavern.
The building is a Grade II listed structure, recognised for its special architectural or historic interest.
Got thoughts or a story to share about this iconic sign? We’re all ears—drop your comments below and join the conversation!