The purpose built Opera House opened in 1902, originally it was planned for the opening to coincide with the celebrations for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

 

In 1931 the Opera House converted to a cinema which had to compete with the large newly built Ritz cinema, once described as “Kent’s most luxurious cinema” which opened its doors in 1934.  Today the Opera House is a popular pub, it still retains the stage and grand balconies and  occasionally transforms back into an Opera House for a night or two.