Before you could freely stroll through the now open space that is St Anne Square, in the bustling town of Sliema, there once stood an iconic family-run kiosk known as Bonello’s Kiosk.

The photos we’ve collected of it will surely hit you with a blast of nostalgia like never before!

For those who remember it, the kiosk served many happy customers in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. It was located a few metres away from the pontoon, which has since been removed, and was surrounded by large trees, which gave customers some much-needed shade – especially during the hot summer months!

Even though the kiosk is described as having been a small spot with a seating area open to the elements, it was considered an iconic eatery for many locals, a place worth visiting, and one that boasted picturesque sea-front views!

But what made this kiosk so very popular? Well, it offered fizzy drinks that were to die for and which could not be found anywhere else!

It became famous for its Sunshine drink, and to this day, many still remember stopping to purchase a ruggata, a safra sensation, or a 7-up float. Sounds yummy!

In the 70s, the famous kiosk was placed into the hands of another owner, and saw a large expansion, which turned the small wooden eatery into a restaurant known as the Magic Kiosk. This spot, which offered a sit-down eating experience, was inaugurated in August 1974, but sadly faced various political and legal controversies, with a bomb even being placed in front of the eatery in January 1995.

In December 2008, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority decided to remove the kiosk and its surrounding structures, aiming to free up land and restore the area back into an open space. With the approved renovation of St Anne’s Square, January 2009 saw the start of the dismantling of the Magic Kiosk…

The area was restored into an open space, and a fountain for locals to enjoy was put into place. While to this day many still reminisce a time when the Bonello Kiosk adorned St. Anne Square, various Facebook commentators admit that they saw the Magic Kiosk as an eye sore.

Many locals have come to appreciate the square as it is now, an open public space overlooking the water, with a fountain and large trees for everyone to enjoy. And let’s not forget plenty of open shops offering myriad food and drink options!

So, which do you prefer, St Anne Square with the Bonello Kiosk, the Magic Kiosk, or as an open sit down space?