Għar Lapsi's Carmen's Bar to open in new location following storm

Popular seaside restaurant Carmen’s Bar is set to open in a new location after Storm Harry destroyed its Għar Lapsi premises last month.

Writing on Facebook, Carmen’s Bar said it will continue “exploring all possibilities for our original home”, but that it had been "working quietly behind the scenes on something else at the same time".

“We’re excited to share that we’ll be reopening in a new location soon,” the establishment said, adding, “We can’t wait to welcome you back — bigger, stronger, and with the same heart you’ve always loved”.

The restaurant did not say where its new premises will be.

Storm Harry devastated a large part of southern Malta towards the end of January, particularly Marsascala and Siġġiewi’s Għar Lapsi, which became unrecognisable due to the damage.

Carmen’s Bar was among the worst-hit restaurants.

Gilbert Borg, owner of Carmen’s Bar, said he found boats in his kitchen, which had pushed through the wall of an adjacent boathouse.

The damage at the restaurant was made worse by a fire that broke out at the bar during the storm.

At the time, Borg told Times of Malta he hoped to be able to reopen the restaurant soon, saying the livelihood of multiple families depended on it.

Borg, whose family has owned the restaurant for 22 years, said he had never seen damage of such magnitude in the area.

The government launched a public consultation on regenerating Għar Lapsi earlier this month.

The boat in the restaurant's kitchen. Photo: Daniel Ellul