The Thirsty Barber

The Thirsty Barber is Malta's first bar in the style of 1920s prohibition America, and the idea is carried through the doorway, the decor and the drinks list. From Triq Ball in Paceville it looks like an old-fashioned barber shop. Step through the red telephone box and you reach a luxuriously furnished speakeasy where the aim is to recreate the Roaring Twenties for an evening.

It is one of the more distinctive options among the entertainment venues in Malta, and it suits couples, friends and small groups who want a cocktail bar with a story rather than a loud club. Paceville is the island's best known nightlife district, so the bar offers a different pace from the busy streets around it.

The 1920s theme

The theme is played with a light touch. The bar's story refers to prohibition raids, secret passages and hidden liquor vaults, and to the flappers and smartly dressed gentlemen who made the decade famous for its parties. The menu is a nod to history too, and a tongue-in-cheek notice asks guests wanting alcohol to bring their prescription, because whiskey is for medicinal use only.

The look is brick walls, old clocks, an upright piano and shelves of bottles lit from behind. If you are planning a longer stay in the area, our hotels in Sliema page covers places to sleep within reach of St Julian's, and our where to stay in Malta guide compares the main resorts.

Drinks and bar snacks

The cocktail list is organised in four groups. Prohibition cocktails include the Bee's Knees, Aviation, French 75, Mary Pickford and Boulevardier, while Boss cocktails such as Silent Knock, Hudson Duster and Last Raid are more elaborate. There are classic cocktails such as Negroni, Mai Tai and Old Fashioned, and Barber Twists with local flavour, including Midnight in Malta, made with prickly pear liqueur and Kinnie syrup. Most cocktails cost between 10 and 13 euros, and mocktails are 7 euros.

The bar also makes its own gin infusions, including strawberry, cilantro and ginger, and lemongrass with cucumber. If nothing appeals, you can challenge the bartenders to create a drink to your taste, sweet or sour, light or strong. Behind the bar is a long list of gins, whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, America and Japan, rums, tequilas, mezcals, wines, champagne, beers and ciders, and bottle service is available for groups. Snacks are limited to a spiced nut mix and nachos, so plan dinner elsewhere, perhaps after a daytime outing such as those in our things to do in Malta guide.

Who it suits

This is a venue for people who enjoy craft drinks and atmosphere. The bartenders are trained mixologists, and the menu encourages conversation: tell them what you like and they will suggest or build something. It works for a pre-dinner round, a late drink after a show or a small celebration, and the reservation form makes it easy to hold a table for up to 15 guests.

UK visitors will find prices clearly listed by the measure, with spirits sold in 25 ml and 50 ml servings and wine by the glass or bottle. Premium and ultra premium spirit upgrades are available on cocktails for a supplement, so ask when ordering if you want a particular brand.

Opening times and booking

The bar opens Tuesday to Sunday from 18:00 to 01:00 and closes on Mondays. Online bookings and pre-orders are available, and the reservation form allows requests in 15 minute steps from 18:00 until midnight for up to 15 guests, with a space for special requests. Table requests are confirmed back to you.

Warm evenings suit the area best, so our Malta weather guide can help you pick your dates, and if you are still choosing flights see flights to Malta. Daytime plans nearby could include a boat trip with Adventure Cruises Malta or a day out through A4 Malta DMC Private Tours and Excursions. For a wider trip plan, see our Malta holidays overview and the Valletta guide.

To ask a question or plan a group visit, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to The Thirsty Barber.