If youāre anything like us, you love a good cocktail. Whether it’s a cheeky Sex on the Beach, a neon-blue Blue Lagoon, or something you’ve never even heard of beforeācocktails are a vibe. But letās be real: sometimes the classics start to feel a little… meh. Thatās when your taste buds start begging for something new, bold, and totally bespoke.
And if you’re in Malta, there’s one spot thatāll have you sipping like Gatsby.

“A cocktail done right can really show your guests that you care.” – Danny Meyer

When moving to Malta, it’s all about sun, food and drinks! We found this hidden treasure named “The Thirsty Barber“.
Welcome to The Thirsty Barber ā Maltaās original speakeasy-style bar
Tucked away in San Ä iljan (St Julian’s) on lively Ball Street, The Thirsty Barber is more than just a barāitās a full-blown throwback to the 1920s. Imagine hidden doors, dapper decor, jazz age flair, and show-stopping cocktails.
This hidden gem is Maltaās first-ever prohibition-themed bar, and trust us, it’s every bit as magical as it sounds. Inspired by the covert speakeasies of the Roaring Twentiesāwhere alcohol was illegal but taste was everythingāthis place delivers a cocktail experience thatās tailored to you.

Custom cocktails that will blow your mind
You wonāt just order a drink at The Thirsty Barber. Oh no. Youāll collaborate. The bartendersāmasters of their craftāwill ask you questions like:
- Sweet or sour?
- Tequila, gin, whisky, or vodka?
- Fruity? Smoky? Herby?
And then… they get to work.
The result? A personalised masterpiece in a glass. Each drink is a celebration of flavour, creativity, and top-tier mixology. No two visits are the sameāunless, of course, you fall in love with your signature blend (which, fair warning, is very likely).

The vibe is immaculate, the service is next-level
When we visited, letās just say one drink quickly turned into five. The cocktails were that good. Itās the kind of place where you linger, sip slowly, and truly savour every moment. The bartenders give your cocktail their full attentionāright down to the garnish, glassware, and even how itās presented.
Itās not just a bar. Itās a performance.









Meet the masterminds behind the magic
The Thirsty Barber is the brainchild of Matthew DāEmanuele, James Stanton, and George Adadeāfounders of Intheneedfor Ltd, a proudly Maltese company. Their mission? To bring sophistication, fun, and a splash of nostalgia to Maltaās nightlife scene.
Their commitment to creating an immersive 1920s experience is evident in everything from the velvet booths to the vintage decor and incredible menu.

āIn the 1930s, anyone of any sophisticated status owned a cocktail shaker. Distinctive ones are easy to find.ā ā Roger Stone
Step into the past, sip into the future
So, whether you’re new to Malta or just passing through, donāt leave without experiencing The Thirsty Barber. Itās where history meets highball, and every cocktail is a journey through time.Dress sharp, drink smart, and prepare to be transported.
One final tip?
Ask the bartender for a surprise. Trust the process. You wonāt regret it.