John Smiths

John Smith's brewery in North Yorkshire was established in 1853 by the son of Samuel Smith, a butcher and cattle dealer from Leeds. The timing of John Smith's acquisition was fortuitous as pale ales were beginning gain popularity over the traditional porter, and the hard water local to the Tadcaster brewery was well suited to the style. This, combined with the arrival of the railways gave the brewery opportunity for huge growth.

An effective series of advertising campaigns throughout the 20th century saw John Smith's grow to become one of the best selling beers in the UK and the best selling bitter in the world.