Summer evenings beneath Valletta’s bastions

The Phoenicia Malta has reopened its Bastion Pool, Bar & Restaurant for the summer season. The place can be described as a sanctuary away from the cut and thrust of Vallettal, where one can slow their pace, bask in the view, sip a cocktail, savour an expertly crafted meal and relax among friends, loved ones or teammates.

Much of the appeal is the setting itself. The restaurant sits within the hotel’s landscaped gardens – more than seven acres of mature planting that slope down towards the water – while the unique infinity pool looks out across Marsamxett Harbour to the boats and the towns beyond.

Flanking both the pool and the venue, the bastion walls – constructed by the Knights of St John in the 16th century – lend the space its name and much of its character.

The restaurant’s opening also heralds the return of the much-loved summer fixture, Bastion Under the Stars. Tuesday and Thursday evenings bring BBQ Under the Stars, which reimagines a Mediterranean barbecue with the hotel’s characteristic flair.

BBQ Under the Stars reimagines a Mediterranean barbecue with the hotel’s characteristic flair. Photo: Christian Balzan

While guests settle in beside the infinity pool, chefs work over open flames to create dishes such as sepia-cured swordfish carpaccio, butcher’s choice meats and seafood. 

A vast selection of fresh salads complements the main course, while the mouth-watering dessert menu of crushed kannoli, chef-made sorbet or crème brûlée is hard to turn down.

On Wednesday evenings, the Bastion Pool, Bar & Restaurant presents an à la carte dinner menu of southern Mediterranean dishes. Here, guests can indulge in sushi and seafood platters, poke bowls, seasonal salads and main courses such as grilled ribeye of beef or the catch of the day, all paired with an extensive wine and cocktail list.

A chef preparing a cut of meat. Photo: Albert Camilleri

Live music threads through the weekday nights: Amelia’s acoustic sets or Steve Galea on guitar during BBQ Under the Stars or the Dominic Galea Jazz Quartet on Wednesdays.

Bastion Pool, Bar & Restaurant also lends itself to occasions beyond the everyday. Throughout the summer months, the hotel hosts private celebrations and company events in its outdoor spaces, from birthday dinners and anniversaries to receptions and team evenings held in style, out in the open air.

“There is something about these summer evenings that brings people together,” says Robyn Pratt, general manager of The Phoenicia Malta. “Whether it is a family dinner or a company marking a milestone, we strive to make every occasion memorable, with understated luxury, delicious food and drink and, of course, award-winning hospitality.”

Singer Amelia during an acoustic set. Photo: Albert Camilleri

Positioned at the gates of Valletta since it first opened its doors in 1947, The Phoenicia Malta has mastered the art of creating opportunities to relish in the Mediterranean summertime, complete with five-star food, service and surroundings.

As the season gets going, Bastion Pool, Bar & Restaurant gives locals a reason to stay close to home for their evenings out, and visitors a taste of why The Phoenicia Malta has become one of Malta’s favourite gathering places for almost 80 years.

To book a table, or to enquire about private events, visit www.phoeniciamalta.com.