Picture this: Youāre in the vibrant heart of St Julianās, Malta, gazing out over the shimmering waters of Balluta Bay. As the sun sets, it casts a golden glow over the sea. A perfectly poured pint, cool and refreshing. Where are you? You’ve stumbled upon a living piece of historyāthe legendary City of London Bar, Malta’s oldest bar, satisfying the thirst of locals and travellers since 1914.
But this isnāt just any bar. Itās a time capsule, a pub with a pulse, where every pint has a story and every corner whispers tales from the past.

A Glimpse into the Past: Born from History, Brewed with Character
Letās rewind to 1914. The world stood on the brink of the Great War, and Malta was a buzzing hub for British soldiers. Amidst the looming uncertainty, the City of London Bar flung open its doors right on the iconic St Julianās seafront.
What started as a cosy refuge for soldiers seeking solace soon evolved into a cherished gathering spot for locals and globetrotters alike. Think of it as the āCheersā of Maltaāwhere everybody knows your name (or at least your favourite drink).

A Refuge for Heroes and Regulars Alike
What makes the City of London Bar more than just a place to grab a drink? Itās the people.
Over the decades, itās become a home away from home, filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and memories stitched into its very walls.
Meet the Legends:
- David de Conte Manduca (a.k.a. Cello), the barās beloved darts captain, served with unwavering loyalty for 50 years. His dedication earned him a lifetime achievement certificate, as precious to the bar as the Crown Jewels are to Britain.
- Countless regulars, young and old, have left their mark, turning the bar into a living scrapbook of Maltaās social history.
Whether youāre a first-timer or a seasoned regular, the City of London Bar makes you feel like youāve been part of its story forever.

Darts, Drinks, and Decades of Fun
If walls could talk, the ones at the City of London Bar would regale you with tales of:
- Raucous football screenings where cheers (and groans) echo louder than the final whistle.
- Spirited quiz nights that would make Sherlock Holmes raise an eyebrow.
- Legendary dart tournaments where friendships are forged and rivalries are celebrated.
Itās not just a bar; itās a community where every night feels like a reunionāeven if youāve just met.
A Drink Selection Fit for a King (or Queen!)
Now, letās get to the good stuffāthe drinks.
The City of London Barās selection is as diverse as a London phone book:
- Ales & Lagers: From crisp, refreshing pints to robust craft brews.
- Ciders: perfectly chilled, sweet, or dryātake your pick.
- Cocktails: classic or creative, always mixed with flair.
- Whiskies & Spirits: A collection that could warm even the stiffest British upper lip.
And hereās the kicker: you can bring your own takeaway!
Craving some local food? Grab your favourite dish from a nearby spot and head over. Itās like having your very own āBring Your Own Takeoutā partyāBritish pub style.

Terrace Views & Cozy VibesāYear-Round
Whether itās summer sunsets or winter evenings, the City of London Bar has you covered:
- Summer: Grab a spot on the terrace, sip your drink, and watch the sun melt into Balluta Bay.
- Winter: Donāt worry about the chillātwo mighty terrace heaters keep things toasty. Add a shot of whisky for extra warmth, and voilĆ ! Youāve got yourself the cosiest seat in Malta.
And letās not forget the view: the stunning Neo-Gothic Carmelite Church standing proudly across the bay, adding a dash of drama to your dining (or drinking) experience.

A Family Tradition Since 1914
The City of London Bar isnāt just a pubāitās a family legacy.
- Karmnu Borg founded the bar in 1914, laying its solid foundations.
- His son, Salvu, kept the spirit alive from 1960 to 1977.
- Today, Julian Borg continues the legacy, ensuring that every pint pays homage to the bar’s rich history.
For over a century, itās been a place where stories are shared, friendships are formed, and history is madeāone drink at a time.

Find Your Way to the City of London Bar
Category | Details |
---|---|
Type | Historic Pub & Bar |
Address | WF8V+877, George Borg Olivier St, St Julian’s, Malta |
Phone | ā |
Service Options | Dine-in, Outdoor Seating, Takeaway Friendly |
Opening Hours | Open 7 days a week from 11:00 AM till late |
Special Perk | Bring Your Own Takeoutāyes, really! š½ļø |
Why You Should Visit the City of London Bar
- Because history tastes better with a pint in hand.
- Because itās the oldest bar in Maltaāand still the best.
- Because whether itās your first visit or your fiftieth, youāll leave feeling like part of the family.
So, next time youāre wandering through St Julianās, follow the sound of laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the warm glow of terrace lights.
Youāll find yourself at the City of London Barāwhere every day is a celebration, and every drink is a toast to history.
Cheers to 105 years (and counting)!