Sophie and Rowley Edwards are the husband-and-wife duo behind Villa Bologna Pottery, which they took over five years ago. Based in Attard, Malta, they infuse passion for local craft into their work. Sophie, half Maltese with a design background, leads creative direction, drawing from her childhood surrounded by pottery and her parents’ legacy with The Rug Company. Rowley oversees operations, ensuring meticulous craftsmanship. Inspired by Malta’s natural beauty and cultural history, they’ve transformed Villa Bologna Pottery into a vibrant, design-led brand, as well as one of the island’s best restaurants just next door.
Living on Malta feels like a love letter to the Mediterranean, and every day here weaves together the island’s sun-soaked beauty, vibrant flavours and timeless history. Running Villa Bologna Pottery with my family has deepened my connection to this place.
When I’m craving a meal that captures Malta’s soul, I’m naturally drawn to our family’s Villa Bologna Restaurant, nestled in the Baroque gardens of Villa Bologna in Attard. I might be biased, but the fresh, seasonal Italian dishes we serve there feel like a celebration of the island’s bounty.
For something more rustic, I head to Carmen’s in Għar Lapsi, a seafood spot run by two brothers who serve grilled fish and seafood pasta on simple plastic tables by the water. It’s the kind of place where the food and the view tell you everything you need to know about Malta’s coastal heart.
In Valletta, I love slipping into Trabuxu Bistro for its cosy vibe and thoughtful seasonal menu, whether I’m dining indoors or out on the street during warm summer evenings. If I’m in the mood for something lighter, Trabuxu Wine Bar, just around the corner, is my go-to for a glass of wine and a relaxed aperitivo.
Malta’s coastline is my playground, with its deep, crystal-clear waters calling me to dive in. There’s nothing like the thrill of jumping off the rocky shores – anywhere along the coast will do. Għar Lapsi is a secluded fishing cove cradled by the dramatic Dingli Cliffs, where the rocks form a natural pool perfect for exploring. When I’m after a sandy beach, I head to Għajn Tuffieħa. The steep climb down is worth it for the breathtaking views from the cliffs above, especially at sunrise or sunset, though it can get lively in peak summer.
At Ġnejna Bay, I skip the busy sandy stretch and walk to the rocky outcrop on the right, where I can spread out a picnic and leap into the sea. For a quieter escape, I cross the small bridge from Gżira’s vibrant waterfront to Manoel Island in Marsamxett Harbour. A short walk across the island leads to a rocky outcrop with stunning views of Valletta, making every swim feel like a moment stolen from a postcard.
The island’s history and culture seep into everything I do. Valletta and Mdina, with their stone streets and layered architecture, are endless sources of inspiration. St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta stops me in my tracks every time. Its artistry and grandeur are simply unforgettable. At Villa Bologna, its Baroque gardens have shaped our work for over a century. The iconic dolphin pond, for example, inspired our beloved dolphin lamps and bookends, which have been cherished since the 1960s.
While Malta isn’t a shopping mecca, I’ve found a few spots that sparkle with unique finds. St Lucia’s Street in Valletta is a treasure trove of family-run gold shops, and I always stop by Frank Zampa for earrings, necklaces, bracelets or charming little gold trinkets. Naturally, I’m proud of Villa Bologna Pottery, where we’ve been handcrafting ceramics since 1924. Our lamps, decorative pieces and tableware come to life in our workshop, where visitors can watch our artists at work. Next door, our restaurant serves every meal on our hand-painted plates, tying the experience together.
For a night in Valletta, you have to go to Bridge Bar, especially on a Friday when live jazz fills the air. Sitting on the steps with a drink in hand, surrounded by locals and the hum of summer, I’m reminded why Malta feels like nowhere else in the world.
Villa Bologna Pottery, 30 St Anthony Street, Attard, ATD 1282, Malta; villabolognapottery.com
Ryan Thompson is a UK-based menswear and lifestyle writer, whose work has appeared in, among others, the Financial Times, Mr Porter, The Rake and Ape to Gentleman
