Blast from the past! Check out this pre-World War II photo of the Flying Bird Kiosk in Senglea
The Flying Bird Kiosk was destroyed by a German dive bomber in the Second World War
The Senglea waterfront is an area that has recently undergone quite a dramatic transformation, with the construction of the American University of Malta and the renovation of the walkway along the front. Can you imagine what the area looked like before the Second World War?
A photo posted on social media depicts what was called the ‘Flying Bird Kiosk’, an elegant structure that stood on the waterfront, within arm’s reach of the boats docked nearby. This kiosk was operated by Mr Leone Gambin, who is shown in the photo, standing in the doorway of the kiosk, ready to serve customers who would sit at the tables set by the sea.
The kiosk was unfortunately destroyed during World War II, when a ‘Stuka’, a German dive bomber, landed with a nose-dive onto the structure. Another kiosk lies in its place today, called Alice Springs Kiosk, which overlooks the Birgu Yacht Marina.
Had you ever heard of the Flying Bird Kiosk?