Pub giant JD Wetherspoon has explained why one of its pubs in Kent was evacuated on Friday evening. Customers were told to leave the popular town centre Opera House in Tunbridge Wells.
One customer said they were told to vacate quickly and those with food orders had to ask for refunds on the way out. A notice was put on the front of the pub on Friday evening – with the closure scuppering many people’s plans for their night out, or at least part of their night.
The pub was shut all weekend. The notice said it was closed due to “unforeseen circumstances” and it would be closed until further notice.
As might be expected, rumours were flying about why it had shut suddenly, including one unlikely sounding reason being posted on social media, that antique theatre equipment had been stolen from the spectacular and historic venue.
The Opera House in Tunbridge Wells, owned by JD Wetherspoon, was evacuated and shut for the weekend
Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon told KentLive: “The pub closed on Friday and reopened this morning (Monday).”
“A few members of staff reported ill and the manager and area manager took the decision to close the pub whilst a deep clean took place.”
But Mr Gershon would not say the nature of the illness. KentLive has contacted the environmental health department at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, in case the pub alerted the team, as there were multiple incidents of sickness reported.
‘Gave us five minutes’
One customer said on Facebook: “We were in there yesterday (Friday) and about 5pm, the manager asked us all to leave and gave us five mins to do so with no explanation given. Those who had ordered food had to ask for a refund.”
As KentLive reported in October, the opera is returning once again to the spectacular Wetherspoon’s Opera House in Tunbridge Wells. Tickets for a matinee or evening performance will be going on sale within weeks.
The Merry Opera Company will again take to the stage at the breath-taking pub in the heart of the town, with Die Fledermaus, on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 2pm and at 7.30pm. Tickets can be bought from noon on Sunday, December 1 via the opera company’s website.
It’s a rare opportunity to enjoy opera in the purpose built Opera House which enthrals Spoons customers when they visit for the first time, and indeed, regulars who never quite get used to the stunning spectacle of their pub.