Malta’s first ever 1920s prohibition-style bar, The Thirsty Barber, is opening in St Julian’s later this month.

The Roaring Twenties were a prosperous and culturally exciting period. However, in the US and Canada, a law prohibiting alcohol was set into place, supposedly to reduce crime rates. The Prohibition backfired – criminal and gang activities ironically ended up soaring during this era.

Speakeasies were hidden sections of an establishment that were created to sell alcohol illegally during the Prohibition. To enter a speakeasy, one would have to say a password to the doorperson to prove that they were not really secret agents. The name ‘speakeasy’ came from a bartender’s term that people were meant to ‘speak easy’ when at a bar, in order to avoid drawing suspicion to themselves.

It took three interior designers over eight months to create an authentic, handcrafted barber-themed speakeasy.

The Thirsty Barber boasts a unique cocktail list, developed by a team of qualified and experienced mixologists. One can choose from a variety of Prohibition-era cocktails, martinis and champagne cocktails, some of which are also to share. The bar’s signature cocktail also happens to be the most expensive on the island.

Doors will be open to anyone over the age of 21. Entrance to the bar must be via pre-booking.

Visit www.thethirstybarber.com to find out more.