The Snog: Delight when the mural of a kissing couple returns to the town’s pub

A much-loved mural has reappeared on a pub wall after it was removed for building work.

Pete McKee’s The Snog has become part of the landscape for residents and tourists alike since it was first painted on Fagan’s pub in Broad Lane, Sheffield in 2013.

The larger-than-life image of an elderly couple embracing in a kiss disappeared at the end of April but was painted on Monday by Mr McKee.

Fans of the painting said they were glad to see it where it belonged.

Resident Baher said he feared the Frank and Joy mural, which is a popular spot for couples to pose for photos, was gone for good.

“We were worried it would be wiped out, but then it came back to the same scale,” the 50-year-old told the BBC.

“It’s part of the identity of this road, I think a lot of people come here to take a picture. It’s great that it’s here.”

Kelham Island resident Pete Wood first saw the mural painted on Tuesday morning.

Although it is almost identical to the previous version, there have been some subtle changes, such as the color of Joy’s coat, which used to be brown and is now purple.

“It seems like it’s been there forever,” Mr Wood said.

“It’s wonderful, very nice. I think everyone missed her when she disappeared, even though she was only gone for a few weeks.”

Mr McKee, who is known for his colorful depictions of everyday life in South Yorkshire, announced that his famous couple were “back” on Monday afternoon.

He said it only took a day to repaint them, but the wet weather last week meant he had to do it twice because it rained the first time.

“It was great to have the opportunity to repaint The Snog,” Mr McKee said.

“Having graced Fagan’s wall for the past 11 years, they were really starting to show their age, so an upgrade was definitely needed.”

He added: “We took the opportunity to give Joy a new hairstyle and a new outfit.

“The mural looks great and vibrant now and is ready for the next 20 years – and hopefully more.”

Kieran Byfield, who has lived in Sheffield for two years, was keen to come to the city center to see the new mural for himself.

“It’s just beautiful to look at,” said Mr Byfield, 58.

“It’s a very well-known local landmark and even people who aren’t from Sheffield are aware of it.”