Tea and Tradition: Union Club Celebrates 200 Years in Sliema

In the heart of Sliema, where the hum of traffic meets the rhythm of the sea, stands a testament to Malta’s history. The Union Club, a grand, yellow-stoned building on Tower Road, is celebrating its bicentenary this year. Born in an era before telephones, it’s still serving tea and serving as a pillar of the community.

From Gentlemen’s Club to Community Hub

The Union Club was established in 1822, a time when Malta was under British rule. It began as an exclusive gentlemen’s club, a place for the elite to socialize and discuss politics. Today, it’s a vibrant community hub, open to all, offering everything from bridge classes to yoga sessions.

Walking into the club is like stepping into a time capsule. The high ceilings, the wooden paneling, the portraits of past presidents – it’s all steeped in history. Yet, it’s not a museum. It’s a living, breathing part of Malta’s social fabric.

Sliema’s Changing scene

Sliema has transformed dramatically since the Union Club’s inception. From a quiet fishing village, it’s grown into one of Malta’s most bustling towns. Yet, the club has stood firm amidst the change, a constant in a sea of flux.

Today, Sliema is a mix of old and new. The Union Club stands alongside modern apartment blocks and trendy cafes. It’s a stark reminder of how far Malta has come, and how much it’s stayed the same.

Celebrating 200 Years

The Union Club is marking its bicentenary with a series of events throughout the year. There are exhibitions, concerts, and even a commemorative tea blend. The club is also reaching out to the community, offering free membership to young people aged 18 to 25.

For the club’s president, Dr. Joseph Aquilina, this bicentenary is a proud moment. “The Union Club has been a constant in Malta’s history,” he says. “We’ve seen empires rise and fall, we’ve weathered wars and crises. And here we are, still serving tea, still bringing people together.”

As the sun sets over Sliema’s promenade, the Union Club stands tall, a symbol of Malta’s past and its future. It’s more than just a building. It’s a story of resilience, of change, of continuity. And it’s still serving tea.