Sipping Through History: Sliema’s Union Club Celebrates 200 Years

Picture this: A grand, colonial-style building, its facade weathered by two centuries of Mediterranean sun. This isn’t some forgotten relic, but Sliema’s Union Club, still serving tea and conversation after 200 years. Born before telephones, it’s a living testament to Malta’s history, a place where time seems to have slowed down.

From British Club to Local Institution

The Union Club was established in 1822, a time when Malta was under British rule. It was then known as the ‘Officers’ Club’, a social hub for British officers stationed in Malta. The building, located on Sliema’s Tower Road, was built in the 18th century and has since been a constant in the ever-changing face of Sliema.

Over the years, the club has evolved. It became the ‘Union Club’ in 1887, opening its doors to Maltese members. Today, it’s a melting pot of locals and expats, a place where history meets the present. It’s not just a club; it’s a piece of Malta’s history that’s still very much alive.

Tea, Conversation, and a Lot of History

Walk into the Union Club today, and you’ll find yourself in a world of dark wood, high ceilings, and antique furniture. The air is filled with the hum of conversation and the clinking of teacups. It’s a place where time seems to have slowed down, where history is not just something you read about, but something you can touch and feel.

The club’s library is a treasure trove of Malta’s past. It’s home to books dating back to the 18th century, many of them donated by members over the years. The walls are adorned with portraits of past members, a who’s who of Malta’s history. There’s Sir Alexander Ball, the first British Governor of Malta, and Sir Temi Zammit, the renowned archaeologist. They’re not just names in a history book; they’re faces that look down on the club’s members as they enjoy their afternoon tea.

Celebrating 200 Years: A Look Ahead

The Union Club is celebrating its bicentenary with a series of events throughout the year. There are exhibitions, lectures, and even a commemorative book in the works. But the club isn’t just looking back; it’s also . It’s planning to renovate and restore the building, to ensure that it can continue to serve tea and conversation for another 200 years.

“We’re not just preserving a building,” says club president, Dr. Joseph Aquilina. “We’re preserving a piece of Malta’s history, a place where people can still connect with the past. We’re to the next 200 years, and we’re excited about what the future holds.”

So, if you find yourself in Sliema, don’t just walk past the Union Club. Step inside, order a cup of tea, and let the history wash over you. It’s not every day you get to sip tea with the past.