Anyone who’s ever visited Valletta is able to locate a certain fast-food chain by the name of McDonalds in seconds – you know, the one bang in the middle of Republic Street. But have you ever wondered what existed before it?

Before and after photos shared to the Facebook group Nostalgia Malta show two adjacent shopfronts, called The British Bar and D. Buhagiar being gutted to make way for a new restaurant, before McDonalds was introduced to the capital.

Also noticeable is Kingsway Store to the other side, the quaint toy shop known and loved by many who visited the capital, that also recently closed its doors. 

Comments on the photos appear to suggest that people loved the style of the old shop signs, but the new façade reveals the splendid architecture of the Palazzo above.

Which one do you prefer?