The MBG was founded in 1974 and became a member of the International Bartenders Association (IBA) in 1975.

According to Farrugia, prior to this many Maltese bartenders were members of the UK Bartenders Guild (UKBG).

Since 1975, the MBG has participated in IBA events and a Maltese bartender became world classic cocktail champion in 2004.

This year, Damien Muscat from the Malta Hilton bar will be competing at the IBA cocktail championship in Warsaw this November.

Farrugia said: “My aim is to upgrade the bar industry and to strengthen our Guild and attract more members.

“Our Guild motto is to educate and upgrade our bartenders to an elite standard for our tourist industry.”