Constructed in 1743 as a tavern and converted to a music hall in 1800, it is believed that this is the oldest music hall in existence. An area of concerts and enchanting performances are put on the charmingly restored stage. A variety of performances can be seen at the old music hall, including opera, dance, classical music, cabaret, puppetry, and even magic.
Very few music halls still exist today, making these centuries-old novelties a rare exhibit. Wilton’s has had the good fortune of being an active venue since 2004 and has recently had extensive restoration done to it.
Performances are not the only attraction that draws in crowds. Visitors come even when there are no shows just for drinks. The music hall boasts an exquisite mahogany bar that is reason enough to stop in for a visit. The building had been used as an ale house since its opening in 1743, but acquired a new zest when it received the mahogany bar in 1826. It adopted the name, “The Mahogany Bar” that year.
A concert hall was later added behind the bar in 1839, and was used for full-length plays. When John Wilton bought the concert hall and bar in 1850, he turned it into a much bigger music hall in 1859.