Join Simon Calder’s mailing list for expert travel tips and discounts.
Receive Simon Calder’s email newsletter about travel.
“Looks like we have some more guests at the ‘museum’.”
Noel and Silvio Farrugio, who are brothers and owners of Diana’s pub in the popular tourist destination of Qawra in Malta, often encounter visitors with amazed expressions as they try to absorb the vast collection of memorabilia dedicated to the late Princess.
Although it may be bothersome for the owners when individuals enter, stare, and take photos without making a purchase, the pub has been a popular destination for both locals and tourists for many years. Established by Noel and Silvio’s deceased father, who was a devoted admirer of the iconic royal, in the early 1990s, it was rebranded as Diana’s Pub in 1996 and has maintained its original charm ever since.
The walls of the establishment are adorned with various items dedicated to Diana, including a distinctive sign featuring her likeness and an array of memorabilia such as plates, photos, and portraits. These elements make her instantly recognizable and draw in customers.
This pub in Qawra is covered in memorabilia of Lady Di.
I am informed by Noel that two portraits of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were acquired from their grandmother’s house, but the majority of the decor adorning the dimly lit room are gifts from fans of Diana – and of the pub itself.
Explore further about traveling to Malta.
The Farrugio family has been devoted fans of the princess for many years, a sentiment that is shared by many on the island. Silvio informs me that, for at least ten years after her untimely passing in 1997, fans would gather at the pub each year on the anniversary of her death to leave flowers. While interest in her has waned in recent years, the popularity of the television series The Crown is introducing Diana and her quasi-shrine to a new audience.
The unique pub is not only popular among those who visit solely for photo opportunities without purchasing anything. The lively ambiance of the pub brings together a blend of local, British, Italian, French, and German accents.
.
I am grateful to have lived during the same time as her, as she had a positive impact on the world.
Liam, a 28-year-old from Liverpool on vacation, shares with me that Diana holds little significance for him as he was an infant when she passed away. He visits the pub primarily for the food, which features traditional British dishes like ribeye steak and a colorful cocktail named after Princess Diana. As we sit at an outdoor table, basking in the warm November sun, Liam explains his reason for coming to the pub.
Two elderly sisters, aged in their sixties, make an annual trip to Malta during the autumn season. They always make sure to stop by their beloved pub and pay respects to their favorite member of the royal family. Pauline, the older sister, fondly remembers her as an angel who brought positivity to the world. She feels fortunate to have lived during the same time as her.
Some patrons I have spoken to seem unsure if Diana ever came to the pub or the island. However, it seems that she never actually visited, but I have been informed that the Maltese have a fondness for the British royal family and vice versa.
Silvio stands to the left and Noel stands to the right, outside the pub owned by their beloved Diana.
From 1949 to 1951, the Queen at the time, who was then a princess, visited this place multiple times with her husband Prince Philip. The couple resided at Villa Guardamangia, located near the capital Valletta, and were reportedly fully engaged in the Maltese way of life. Prince Philip was serving in the Royal Navy and, according to Kenneth Gambin from Heritage Malta, Queen Elizabeth would often bid him farewell from the Harbour Fire Command station at Fort St Elmo, or observe him playing polo at Marsa.
The Villa is currently undergoing renovations in preparation for its opening as a museum. However, those who are fans of the royal family and are visiting the island can still enjoy another Diana-inspired spot. Just a half an hour away, the town of Sliema boasts the Lady Di pub. Unlike the Diana-themed pub in Qawra, this one is more of a local hangout. Aside from the sign outside, there are few indications that it pays homage to the late princess.
I make my way to the bar where there is a pile of unidentifiable meat and a man sharpening knives. I order a pint of Strongbow, which is the first time I’ve had it since my university days. I then go to the outdoor seating area and strike up a conversation with some regulars who happen to be friendly locals.
In 1981, Frankie Cutajar launched the Lady Di on the same day that Diana and Charles got married.
Kurt and Andrew, both in their early 40s, are good friends who enjoy frequenting a particular pub that holds a special meaning to them as it is named after Diana. Andrew expresses his belief that there is no one more deserving of having something named after them than Diana. They reminisce about their childhood memories in pubs during the 1980s and 90s, where it was common for patrons to toast each other with the phrase, “God save the queen.”
On the 29th of July 1981, Frankie Cutajar established the Lady Di, coinciding with Princess Diana’s wedding to Prince Charles. According to him, he was introduced to the Princess of Wales through a well-connected acquaintance in London and made a pledge to name his bar in her honor. As evident, he followed through with his promise.
He even possesses a letter from Buckingham Palace granting him authorization to name the pub as such. “It’s stored somewhere,” he explains.
to the pub
If Charles requested for me to change the pub’s name to Queen Camilla’s, I would have to decline as it would result in a lack of customers.
Andrew and Kurt, the talkative customers, claim that most Maltese individuals are fond of the entire royal family. However, this is not the case for Keith, who is the co-landlord of the pub and son of Frankie. Despite working at the bar for his whole life, Keith still holds a strong admiration for Diana. However, his feelings towards King Charles are quite different. When asked what he would do if the king visited the pub, Keith responded, “I would just ignore him. He does not deserve my attention.”
Silvio, who works at Diana’s pub in Qawra, shares the same view. He states that if Charles were to request changing the name of the pub to Queen Camilla, he would have to decline because it would not attract customers.
The connection between the British royal family and Malta appears to be one that will endure indefinitely. However, it is Diana who remains the most prominent figure on this Mediterranean island.
Explore additional reviews of top hotels in Malta.
Source: independent.co.uk
