Opera House - JD Wetherspoon — Restaurant in Tunbridge Wells

The Opera House, Royal Tunbridge Wells The Opera House in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, is a historic building with a rich and fascinating past. Originally opened in 1902 as an opera house, it was designed by architect John Priestley Briggs in the Edwardian Baroque style. Over the years, it has served various purposes, including a cinema in 1931, a bingo hall in the 1960s, and finally, it was converted into a pub by J D Wetherspoon in 1996.

The building is a Grade II listed structure, reflecting its architectural and historical significance. It features grand chandeliers, original booths, and stalls from its days as an opera house. The Opera House continues to host occasional opera performances, preserving its rich cultural heritage. Now a Wetherspoon pub, the Opera House offers a range of real ales, craft beers, and freshly ground Lavazza coffee. Breakfast is served until noon, with a full food menu available until 11 PM. The pub also hosts various events, including live music and occasional opera performances.

Having visited several times, I can say that Wetherspoon attracts a diverse crowd. The cheap beer draws a wide array of patrons, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, I have witnessed some unpleasant incidents, and I believe security needs to be more proactive to ward off troublemakers. The attendants are generally very friendly, which enhances the positive image of the business. However, when faced with a large crowd and feeling overwhelmed, their behavior can sometimes shift to being slightly hostile.

They offer a selection of real ales, craft beers, gins, soft drinks, and freshly ground Lavazza coffee. Free refills on tea and coffee are available all day. Breakfast is available until noon, featuring cooked breakfast items, pastries, and freshly brewed Lavazza coffee. For lunch and dinner, they offer a wide range of options, including gourmet burgers, freshly made pizzas, deli deals, lighter bites, and vegetarian choices. They also host special events, often featuring themed events and promotions such as Veganuary specials and Burns' Week celebrations.

Some Historical Events: • 1902: The Opera House was originally opened as an opera house, designed by architect John Priestley Briggs in the Edwardian Baroque style. • 1931: It was converted into a cinema by Union Cinemas. • 1960s: The building served as a bingo hall. • 1996: J D Wetherspoon purchased and converted it into a pub. • 2006: The Opera House hosted an opera performance of Handel's Tamerlano. • Annual Performances: The Merry Opera Company has been performing annual operas, including Troy Boy, La traviata, The Magic Flute, Kiss Me, Figaro!, The Barber of Seville, and La Boheme.

For the upper class, this place might not be ideal, but for regular folks looking to people-watch and seek adventure, it can be a good spot. Do be aware, though, of the significant presence of young people at this...

Today at 2 pm (18/10/24) , me and my friends visited opera for lunch. We really had terrible experience from staff side. There was a female waitress who was extremely rude and racistic to us. We came and sat on a table which had left overs from previous customers. We waited a bit after our order, as there was no response from staff side. We requested them politely to clear the table. The female waitress ignored us initially , then even after requesting again she said NO ! and rudely demanded us to change the table after placing order. As we already settled with everything ,we waited until the food get served but she rudely served the food with disrespect by placing the food with all the left over. We were shocked with such disrespectful manner and request her to clear the table. Then ,she ignored all of our request and started to pick about the shoes we worn and commented on the dress by saying it REPEATEDLY . THAT WAS REALLY RACISTIC !! As we questioned it she walked off . Then in a minute she came back and stacked the food together and asked us to walkout of the pub and she shouted that we are no more invited to the pub saying she is the incharge of the pub and she is licensed to say that.we questioned her about this attitude and she said that we have trespassed and shouted at us to leave the pub. She threatened us that she will call the police and we agreed as we are happy to explain the situation to them but the moment we agreed she changed her attitude and started shouting us to leave the pub repeatedly and she will provide the refund. We were the frequent customers as I have been living in tunbridge wells for the past 4 years. This was a shocking experience for me and my friends. Hope this will be escalated and please make sure that the staff’s are trained properly to deal with the customers respectfully. ( If any authority comes across this post please check CCTV camera...

Updated 11/01/2025. I have been complaining about the cleanliness and lack of management control of this hell hole for years. I’ve written to the Head Office with no response and changed my reviews many times on this platform. Just found out that it was closed over the weekend (Friday 9th Jan 25) due to a very bad outbreak of Norovirus, affecting both patrons and staff. This is directly linked to the unhygienic conditions, practices and care of this outstanding beautiful building. This is the second time it’s closed for this reason, it closed in 2016 for the same sickness virus….. My post earlier doesn’t depict the real lack of care for this place. Spoons has let this building and the people who frequent it down badly. Food here has always been touch and go and we haven’t eaten here for many years for many reasons. Toilets always dirty. Tables always dirty. Tables always clogged with empty glasses, plate’s and sauces. Sticky floors and surfaces. Having to clear and clean your own table!

I’m glad that it’s now being “deep cleaned” but I don’t think it will change anything and I won’t be holding my breath!

ORIGINAL POST. What’s the point of the app? Waited over 25 minutes to get a drink. Husband complained to the Manager she said they were busy! but plenty of staff just disappearing into the kitchen 3 at a time, one staff member serving at the bar. The second bar is never manned. Still took another 8 minutes to get our order. All the time we were there from 15:30 to 17:50 not a single table was cleaned. We had to clear and clean a table to use it. And then clean our glasses once our drinks turned up. I wouldn’t trust to eat here either 🤢 Every table as far as we could see was dirty and full of glasses plates and sauces. The staff are like Zombies, miserable and very unhappy.

Please!! 🙏🏼 Clean 🚽 The female toilet is atrocious 🤮 Don’t just get the staff to sign the log...