The Opera House in Tunbridge Wells

Family lunch (three adults and three teenagers). Order was efficiently taken at the bar. Everything we ordered was available. Food arrived hot. Everyone enjoyed it. Very reasonably priced.

On a day trip from Eastbourne i came in for lunch and had the fish &chips which i enjoyed very much and the inside of the building is lovely

Waited a few minutes at an empty bar, noticed twice by the bar staff (young lady with pink hair), only for her to then serve another customer who had walked straight up. Disappointing and unpleasant to see this behaviour in 2023 in what could only be a decision based on racial appearance/not being local/etc.. Which is a shame as the restored opera theatre ceiling and stage is well worth seeing.

My son was thrown out for apparently having a fake ID whilst celebrating his A level result. His ID is perfectly legitimate. You need to retrain your aggressive staff who made him feel very uncomfortable for no good reason at all.

Visited several times whilst stayin in TW. Had breakfast, dinner and drinks over 3 days and found the service to be really good. Drink and food prices obviously consitent with all Wegtherspoon pubs being gresat value and plenty of choice, Very interesting building and plenty olf seating.

This place is awsome, you can see the richness and the workmanship of hundreds of years. I am always amazed as to the architecture and how things were build without the tools available today. This is a must see place.

Ordered a vegan breakfast and regular breakfast. Items missing from both plates, we were not told items were going to be missing before food arrived. Vegan breakfast had non vegan food on it! If that wasn't enough of an issue it was ALL also completely cold on arrival. So, to sum up, missing food, wrong food, cold food, no offer of any money off even when everything was clearly wrong. I won't go back. I don't trust them not to try and give me the wrong food for my dietary requirements again.

Me, my brother, Mum and Dad thought we go out tonight to have dinner at Wetherspoons, because it was good value for money, food and drink often cheaper than elsewhere, mind not all now... We didn't bother ordering via the Wetherspoons app as we'll lost confidence in that since there's been times where there's only been two waiters and waitresses. Not last night, but still didn't want to take the risk. But last night, staff were pretty good, chef was on the ball this time, food was cooked well and was not dry and overcooked, chips were fluffy and the burger tasted good. Once done, finished plates and glasses were taken away whilst we were at the table. Bar staff were working hard and the orders translated to the kitchen as food came as ordered. But what frustrating is that this Wetherspoons struggles to order enough stock so a lot of whole menu options are not available by the end of the week, so last night, no pizza, no half chicken, no mixed grill (probably no steak). This is not a new problem, I've been in this Wetherspoons a few times so this problem of stock management has been going on since end of lockdown for this Wetherspoons. What food that was in in stock was so limited that my Mum and Dad had to go somewhere else to have dinner. There's been some price changes recently and noticeably on all alcohol, whiskey, rum and gin have been hardest hit. £6 for two shots. There are at least one cheap brand in category so you can pay less but for whiskeys, Bell's was out of stock (it usually always is). The Opera House is a lovely place with a detailed interior which Wetherspoons have taken great care to maintain, midst the pandemic the hall was filled with scaffolding to allow restoration and restrengthening of the ceiling. TLDR, good staff and service (sometimes), nice looking pub probably one of best looking Wetherspoons in the country, drinks getting expensive (spirits are no longer cheaper than other pubs), my burger and chips were cooked perfectly last night (I previously found sometimes that the food can be overcooked or/and dried out) and cheaper options not always available, food was so poorly stocked that my parents had to get to another restaurant to get a dinner they wanted. I'll still go there for a pint or too and the food's still pretty good value. 5/10.

Me and my partner sat down and ordered our lunch on the app. I ordered an ultimate burger and some chicken bites (which were over cooked), she ordered a heatwave burger. Took over 10 minutes to arrive to the table with only 3 tickets of food on screen. Both are gourmet burgers and should come with onion rings and chips, neither came with onion rings and a very little amount of chips. No cheese on the heatwave burger and no hash brown. I ordered some chicken strips too, only to learn they were out of stock 5 minutes later. I have worked in a Wetherspoon pub as a manager so I have experience of running a shift. Everything that is out of stock should immediately be taken off the till so this doesn’t happen. I don’t understand why this didn’t take place, it didn’t look particularly busy. The staff were very helpful and offered to refund our meals, but we just asked for some extra chips and chicken bites instead of strips, which they were more than happy to oblige. Other than the friendly staff and nice surroundings, there is no reason for me to return to this Wetherspoon pub.

Very poor. Many items on the menu out of stock including very basic things such as peas. Food was poor - steak badly cooked, onion rings burnt. Very poor standards of cleanliness - menus were dirty, floor under the table covered in food and ladies’ toilet was disgusting. We haven’t visited here since before Covid and we were surprised by the change.

Most of the menu came up as ‘out of stock’. When we finally found some items that were available the food arrived after 30 minutes. The mixed grill was massively over cooked and in places just burnt. I could not eat it all. Staff were helpful and very friendly but that doesn’t compensate for the food and lack of choice. What has happened to Wetherspoons?

Not good enough- too many tables crammed into the space creating tension amongst staff and customers. In addition when we visited there were angry exchanges at the batr because half of the food menu was not available. The bar manager was biting back getting 'chopsy' with patrons which only fuelled the tension. Obviously with staff shortages they start 'switching off' parts of the menu (ie pizzas) which then starts a chain reaction. Building is beautiful but for it to work this wetherspoons needs to go back to hospitality basics - starting with a new management team

The Building is stunning But it’s a Witherspoons pub Sections of the clientele were Efffin and bindin out loud without any challenges from the staff Even though women were present The place was noisy and to a degree disorganised Limited selection of condiments including No salt None the less we sat down took our table number and ordered food at the bar It turned up overcooked and virtually Edible What with the chaos going on we decided to cut and run.. My advice is that unless you don’t Mind rough food and quite honestly people who put you on edge Then this is the place for you We decided enough was .. and had to leave Only to be greeted by a bunch of blokes who I can only say resembled Peaky Blinders

The ale selection is good unfortunately really let down by the food. Wrong menus on tables meaning different prices on tills and app wanted to charge even more. Food arrived burnt on one side with chips peas and onion rings cold. Sent back and replaced (fair enough) but when it came back one bite of a sausage and immediate thoughts are someone microwaved them, sadly again chips peas and onion rings were freezing cold No check backs from staff even tho it was a meal replacement Think I’ll stick to the beers here from now on

A dangerous place, severe trip hazard especially for the elderly. See photos. Hygiene standards poor, we requested our table be wiped down as was sticky. Guy just pulled a cloth out of his pocket and wiped table. Didn’t even use his sanitizer spray. Very off putting in today’s climate. Food wise was also not great. Lots of the options were out of stock, it’s only Wednesday! No steak at all, no cod or chill. Peas were literally stone cold and chips were a mix of fresh hot and barely Luke warm. Pleased to be able to say the scampi was actually hot but didn’t come with the usual lemon wedge. Overall we’re not at all happy. Service leaves a lot to be desired. Drinks eventually did arrive as I was over half way through my dinner. Overall not a good experience. Management needs to sort out the issues and up their game as they’re letting the Wetherspoon name down.

Staying overnight in local hotel as attending training course in tunbridge wells. Decided to eat here as had good experiences in other Wetherspoons. Not here though! There was barely anything available on the menu. Ended up with burger as so many other things unavailable. I...

bit dissapointed.. Popped in last night for a pre concert meal. many choices were not available. The food was a bit sorry for itself. Previously this restaurant has been good... up to weatherspoon's standards ie cheap meal and drink quickly served. Let's hope it gets...

We went in for breakfast about 11.20 Went to order and time was 11.30 on my watch 11.31 on lady at bar and she said they had stopped breakfast at 11.30 so couldn't serve it no longer. So in my view rubbish service Asked in...

The interior Haa been kept as the theatre.. lovely. Very good and fast service, online ordering from your table. Coffee and soft drinks you can refill yourself. Good location in TW. Parking 5 minutes away. JD Weatherspoon menu.. Good value for money for a quick...

Great for the annual night of (real) Opera. Fine for an inexpensive lunch and a pint. Not tried ordinary evenings, but pub management looks capable.

Took a family member with us this time to see if they agreed with us. 100% they did. It was very much service with a smile. We enjoyed our delicious breakfasts and will be going back for more.

Went for a meal and drinks, rude waitresses and security staff, I’d avoid the place and find somewhere local that appreciates its customers!! Dump

We all know the Wetherspoon’s food and drink formula and this works here as well as most other places. The attraction of The Opera House, is the decor. The company have done an amazing job with the recent restoration of the inside of this building....

Up from London catching up with a close friend and everything was lovely from the moment we walked in. All the staff were super attentive, particularly Maddy and Paulo who were looking after us. The food was delicious. Drinks were topped up and there was...

Great scenery, but staff who can’t answer simple questions and almost EVERYTHING you want is out of stock on the menu!!!!!

We visited tunbridge wells on Wednesday this week for a birthday meal, we were disappointed to find doors locked with no signs to say they were closed! Disappointed that there was no signage as we and others tried the doors!

We found it still very much up to standard. No complaints whatsoever. Both of us enjoyed our lunches and drinks. It's cheap and cheerful and you more than get what you pay for in our opinion. Each to their own as the saying goes. We...

Excellent service Jo was particularly good very interesting venue good atmosphere centre of town location

As with most Wetherspoon pubs, the building is the main attraction. Food cheap and reliable. great service.

Well- what can I say. The young blonde girl in the black and the girl in the stripped top with rainbow lanyard were very helpful and accommodating. We had a few food allergies in out group and they helped out as best they could with...

Went for dinner whilst visiting the area. Good basic food that you come to expect and know what you are getting / paying for. Service was timely and the staff were friendly and helpful. Top Weatherspoons!

I am writing this not for the food or the drink but for the opera. I was fortunate enough to be here for am evening of Opera and entertainment. I had several friends and we booked some tables to be entertained with an amazing experience. This was better than some of the best. Mr Rousseau was there. He has been to La Scala and he said this was better. His colleague, the restaurant entrepreneur, Mr Urger was there; he has been to premieres in Sydney and said this was better. Tony is a sophisticated consumer of music and he loved it. He even got a signed programne. Taz is a historian. He said the performance would have stormed the Bastille, let alone the Opera House. I am more straightforward. I enjoyed it and I liked it when they played Star Wars at the end. The food was excellent and the beer was tasty too. Although I was driving so I only had one. Honest.

Others have mentioned the scaffolding, which is not outside but set round the central chandelier. They have zoned this area for people with no phone app, who turn a red OK thanks sign over to green service wanted sign. I was seated in the no...

Having travelled from Bristol one of the highlights of our visit was to be The Opera House. Unfortunately due to roof leaks there was a large amount of scaffolding in place. That being said the venue is very impressive.

Met at the door and signed in. Advised to take a seat and we will be with you for your order. 15 minutes later we walked out. No sign of an order being taken. This was 0940 in the morning. Not busy and plenty of...

My wife and I visited Tunbridge Wells last Wednesday. We had a delightful day out. We enjoyed a light lunch at Weatherspoons. Weatherspoons are doing a great job of restoring another venerable old building and putting it back into gainful use. Without them, I'm sure...

I’m not a great fan of Wetherspoons’ pubs, but I must say that The Opera House is worth going into, simply to look at the architecture and decor. I’d suggest that it is best to go “early doors” however as, later on in the evening,...

This is an actual converted Opera house that still has the occasional opera! Popped in here for a well priced round of drinks. Usual Wetherspoons good value. A must if you are in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Lovely old building which still has some of the original features of when it was a Opera House. Went to see Don Giovanni and it was a delight to see the building transformed back into its original setting. The performance was excellent, the staff (all...

Disgusting, diabolical, dirty, sticky, filthy, stained and germ ridden miserable hell hole. This place has never and will never be my choice of venue, I was only there because other members of my work team decided to meet here after not being able to get...

Lovely building. Typical Spoons fare. No complaints. Echo previous comments about staff. They need to make serving at the bar more of a priority and be a little more friendly. Especially when app is off. Otherwise all good

A breathtaking interior which has many original features. We came here whilst visiting the area and it was certainly worth the effort. As others have mentioned, we did feel as though we were wearing a cloak of invisibility when waiting to be served but fortunately,...

The building inside is beautiful as others have said a converted theatre. Unfortunately the bar staff are not the best. I never knew that staff can look at you but not see you standing at the bar waiting to be served. One star knocked off...

I only like this place because it is an opera house turned pub! You can sit on stage which is fun with a view of the balconies and the audience area.

The architecture of this building is fantastic! Well worth a visit. Food is as good as any other Wetherspoons pub, cheap and cheerful. It was a very busy lunchtime, but the staff were very pleasant. The only negative is that it was not very clean,...

I often wonder why we keep making the same mistake of using Spoons in Tunbridge Wells... Perhaps it’s in the hope this place will transform into a swan! But it never does, and we’ve been living here for almost 8 years, and every time we...

Good value as always for a Wetherspoons.great prices on drinks and food. Love the character of the opera house.

We went to this Wetherspoons especially to see the building with so many features of the original opera house remaining. Definitely worth the visit and we are returning to take in one of the concerts in December.

Good food and good beer in a magnificent setting. The Opera House all in tact despite being a Wetherpoon's pub. If you ever visit Tunbridge Wells this is a must visit. A meal and pint of bitter for under £10.

Went to the old Opera House for dinner before a concert as the nearby Assembly Hall Theatre - and what a treat it was. Apart from the beautiful building and general ambience our very tasty meals and excellent drinks were literally half the price at two more sniffy establishments we hadn't been able to get into. We won't go anywhere else to eat in Tunbridge Wells in future and would advise anyone who has a social prejudice about Wetherspoons not to bite your nose to spite your face! This place is real value for money in every sense of the words.

Whilst in Royal Tunbridge Wells, we were directed to dine at the Wetherspoon’s that is located in the Opera House.

Terrible manager, terrible staff, specially the guy with silver hair.

As usual Weatherspoons have maintained the character of a buitiful building. The food very as usual. The service very good. The only criticism was that the special of the day was not put out on the tables until 12.45 we had to ask what it was.

Visited Saturday morning, for a quick breakfast with my partner, walked in, quiet for a Saturday morning? Sat down, went and ordered at the bar as you do, lady serving was very blunt. Went back over to my seat and waited for our food. Food arrived the same lady brought it over, again not a lot of communication there. Ordered some extras with my breakfast thinking she went off to get them. A few minutes later still no sign of these. Asked her where they were and she said “there on his plate” ok (but only one side was) also I asked them to be with my breakfast, as this lady took my order I would’ve thought she new this. My parter asked if we was getting these extras as I cannot eat certain things on his breakfast (that’s why they were my sides) not to go on his breakfast that he didn’t want. She argued with us how they are on his plate. Again I said can I have my sides she walked off unpleasantly, came back a few moments later slammed one side table with no communication again. I then had to speak louder to ask for my other side. And she walked off shaking her head “in a mood” as we recall.

Enjoy my weekly visit to this Wetherspoons, a great character building, as set in old Opera House / Theatre / Cinema / Bingo House, in the years gone by. Drinks are at a very resonable price, as is the fairly good quality food, which is served up fairly quickly after ordering at the bar with your table number. Alwayus served with a smile " and enjoy " Good friendly staff always willing to help out.

I wasn’t expecting much when a friend asked me to meet her in Wetherspoons. In fact, as it was a boiling hot day I was dreading it. It was, however, much better than I was expecting. The food was brought quickly and was amazingly good for the money - I had steak and quinoa salad which was really delicious, and for about £8 it even came with a pint of cider. The air conditioning was brilliant, and chilled water was provided. The downside was a sticky, dirty table (we had to ask for it to be wiped) and gloomy patterned carpets that were none-too-clean. The loos were basic but clean. It wouldn’t be my first choice, but I don’t think you could do better for a budget meal in an interesting location.

Saw this place on the TV so as we were in the area we went in for lunch and what wonderful venue. Great fish and chips and my first pint of Broadside for years!

Went in for late breakfast was very impressed with the quality of the breakfast cooked nicely and hot it’s a pity that not all weather spoons can get it right must say will. Go back

Great building food very good this is a must visit.service was very good better than most . Tables little dirty and plates left on tables that's normal for this chain.

Wonderful interior.Quite busy but food was delivered quickly.It also was very tasty too! But the tables need to be wiped down ,all sticky and stained,and the carpet was dirty .Staff friendly ,quite helpful.

Building only good thing going for it.

If u like old buildings and history it is an amazing place to do at least once but please for ur safety avoid eating the food was burnt and the staff not interested in serving

Went to the opera house last night,try to order fish and chip for two to be told they had sold out of them mind you it was around 6-30pm as it was national fish and chip day why did they not order more very disappointing and on top of this there was no Chardonnay knowing it was Friday evening someone needs to sort out the ordering of food and wine,it is always very busy in there on a Friday night but running out of certain foods and drinks is not very clever is it

We would never have thought to visit the Opera House if it weren’t for the Big Bus Guide’s strong recommendation as his favorite place in all of Paris. We are just not fans of the opera or ballet.

I am writing this review purely because the building was worth a review. The bars were very well placed and easy to get a drink. Worth popping into just to ser an amazing piece of history.

Ordered a spaghetti bolognese. It arrived half an hour later cold and with a skin on it. Rude staff. Dirty glasses. Sticky tables as floors. Vomit in the toilets

Lovely place to go out for a meal. Brilliant idea to turn the opera house into a restaurant, beautiful interior and food was good too. Had a walk around after the meal, well worth going upstairs and seeing the restaurant from the upper seating area.

A stunning building where you can eat a delicious meal! It's an amazing place. If you are on the area, make sure you enter the Opera House.

have used wetherspoons often. You know what you are going to get, the food is of decent quality and at a good price. Service via the Wetherspoons app is fantastic! Eleven minutes from payment to food at the table - they really have this method cracked! The opera house isn't as large as other Wetherspoons but it is a unique environment and well worth a visit. The Empire burger is recommended.

An absolutely amazing Weatherspoons; keeping the original decor of the former opera house. I guarantee there's no other 'Spoons like it! Usual cheap food and drink options but to enjoy it in these surroundings are something else!!!

Food and service was good staff very polite food served quickly and at your normal wetherspoons price you get what you pay for no real surprises the building is very impressive indeed

Went for breakfast, but enjoyed the ambiance of the building more. The interior has virtually been left as it was and should be left, as an Opera house, with the viewing boxes, stage and back drop, this is heritage left as it should be, glorious, you can also book one of the lower boxes for a meal, good breakfast, usual full English, with a selection of other breakfasts to have, good value for what it is, cheap and cheerful. Will definitely visit again. Have been to other Weatherspoons and they are all good value for money.

My partner and I ate here on two occasions in March, the breakfast and evening meal we ate was as expected from a Wetherspoons. The one thing that made these visits special was the stunning building we had the pleasure of eating in. Absolutely Fab.

Still can't beat it for quality at the price. We tried the small fish and chips this time as we didn't want a big meal. It was quite sufficient, hot, tasty and we would certainly go for it again as a light lunch. You can't, in our opinion, beat the Spoons fluffy chips, crisp on the outside. Very friendly service, and we were checked back on very politely. For character and interest all around the building, it is unique. We always try to get a table up on the stage, best view of it all.

Incredible building complete with original stage lights and rigs on show, we came here for breakfast with a local expecting an average cheap fry up, what we got was so much better!

With work I get to travel a lot over the country and go to quite a lot of weatherspoons, this has to be one of the most impressive ones! Defiantly wort a visit! We didn’t eat but had a few drinks and was very good!

The usual wetherspoons offer, but served up in a lovely building, Worth noting that you can book one of the original theatre boxes to eat in if that is your thing.

Ok so, it’s a Witherspoons, normally no problem. Alas, the food we received was not good.My husband ordered the Empire Burger and he enjoyed it.

Good prices and location, everything fine except for that one manager who is the rudest saddest woman I’ve ever had the ill-fortune to come across. She is awful at her job, doesn’t understand customer service, and insists on demonstrating to everyone how unfulfilling and depressing her life is. Sack her and it might be a 3/5. Middle aged, dark hair, quite short.

very friendly,i had avery relaxed visit,we could leave whenever we wanted,i like that.I like that its very spacious and clean.Very good vegan breakfast good services especially when with kids.Very good for family visits.

Popped into here before a show at the theatre, wonderful opera house venue, good priced drinks & food of a decent standard, used the app & service was pretty fast, great for a quick drink

We have visited over 50 Wetherspoons as we travel alot and frequent WS at least 2 x per week.

We visited here on a Monday night for a few drinks whilst we were in town. The price of the rounds as always with a Wetherspoons was really impressive however it had nothing on the style and decor of the place! I loved the fact that the building used to be an opera house and that they still host an opera once a year; it’s a really nice building. We didn’t stay long but enjoyed our brief time here

Visited this Weatherspoons today on an infrequent visit to Tunbridge Wells.

The manager came over at 7pm, an hour and a half before 8:30 which is when the reg ID round occurs. We were casually enjoying a few drinks all being over aged. She challenged us for ID's an the two who weren't drinking didnt have one because of that. The manager, Sam, was very rude too all of us, grabbing a drink from one person who didint have ID with them, even though she had already been served by the bar staff.

I was disappointed with this Weatherspoon, nice decor but usual manky carpets and Wonky tables. The ladies toilets were not the best.

Went here on a late Saturday afternoon after a long flight and drive into London / Tunbridge Wells for a bite to eat. The place was crowded so we figured it must be good eats. A little confusing when you walk into the building, as it isn’t clear if you seat yourself or wait for a hostess. After figuring out that you seat yourself, we learned that at most pubs in England, you seat and order yourself referencing the number in your table. You go to one of the bars (there are two), place your drink and food order, pay for your purchase, take your drinks down to your table and wait for your food to be delivered to your table. We just got a couple of small plates to share. The food was good, not amazing, but good. We ordered chicken, samosas and chips with bacon. The chips with bacon was the plate we liked the most. The samosas were good but bland if you didn’t dip them in the chutney which was gone after just two. More sauce should have been provided. The atmosphere is amazingly unique being in an old opera house and reading about the history. There were a few “gambling machines” near the restrooms. I think it would keep more of the opera house look if they would remove the machines. We would go back if in the area again and give something else on the menu a try.

The food is good as long as the visitor is not a coeliac. The choices are then very limited. It seems amazing that, in this day and age, such a large concern is unable to provide gluten free burgers or chips!

Came in for a late dinner with my girlfriend and ordered through the app a chicken platter.

as alway Spoons does not disappoint, beer and food is cheap and fast, food not the best you will ever get, but you get what you pay for. its worth a look just to see this place.

Don’t bother coming here... they refuse to serve you for no reason at all Staff are bully’s Waste of time and money !!!!!!

The staff are very rude... Only good thing about the place is the beer is cheap ... the food is all microwaved ....

This place is horrible. Fries taste like dirt, managers roll your eyes at you if you ask for a straw, employees are the rudest people on earth. BAD BAD BAD experience!

Royal Tunbridge Wells is a classy kind of town, as the regal prefix clearly denotes. There are lots of expensive restaurants, high-quality shops and a handful of exclusive hotels. However, in terms of atmosphere, quirky charm and a stunning setting, it's hard to beat The Opera House.

Amazing building but not as amazing food. Such a shame as usually the food in Wetherspoon’s are very good.

Back in the early 00’s Wetherspoons was a trusted name. You knew you could go in to a clean bar and restaurant and get a good beer and a good feed. Some of the Venues are starting to look a bit tired. Not the Opera house you walk in and it has the wow factor of the building. We had a couple of meals and the food came quickly and well presented. The beer seemed well kept as well. Definitely worth a visit

on entering the wetherspoons pub , we wondered if we were in the right place ,because the premises were so well decorated and had all the same features as if it was it was an actual theatre ,in fact there was a notice to say that once a month an opera does take place.

While visiting family in this area we took the Metrobus to Royal Tunbridge Wells. We decided to try the Opera House assuming it was a bar inside the Opera House. We were amazed to find the Opera House was the restaurant/bar and the views inside are incredible. Great idea well done. Order at the bar or on an app and the order is delivered in a reasonable amount of time Fair prices, great atmosphere and the fish and chips we both had was good.

Blown away by how grand and beautiful this place was! Great food as always and friendly, attentive staff. Place was nice and clean too. All good.

Popped in with the family for a drink and bite to eat after a hectic days shopping. The venue is stunning with lots of what looks to be the original theatrical interior remaining. There was a good selection of food and drink and when the food arrived it was well prepared and tasted great. We will be going back again soon.