This John Smith's house overlooks the river where water driven mills established Sheffield's industrial reputation. The local forge produced high quality goods and had a reputation for unbreakable anvils. No doubt the "Smith's" connection had something to do with the name.
The pub took it's name from the Mousehole Forge, which stood on the River Rivelin just down from the pub. The forge produced anvils and had a worldwide reputation exporting globally, being the first place in the World dedicated to anvil production. The forge predates the Industrial Revolution, being founded in 1628 and eventually closing in 1933. Part of the remaining buildings has been converted to a private house. The pub itself dates from 1825, but was completely rebuilt in 1935. After the Second World War it was run by the former Sheffield Wednesday and England left back Ted Catlin.
.