Two couples are grabbing the opportunity of a lifetime and moving to Malta to open a Derry themed bar.

Noel and Anna Gallagher and Frankie and Rosie Houston have just secured a three year lease on the Step-down Bar in Sliema which they’ll be renaming the Derry Bar.

And the four of them are now in training to learn how to pull pints.

Next Thursday Anna, who has given up her job in Sainsbury’s, and former Seagate worker Noel will fly out to Malta to get things up and running.

Derry City director Frankie Houston will join them with his wife Rosie and family in July. Frankie will continue to run his business, Houston Finance and carry on as a Derry City director by making regular trips back to Ireland, The Derry Journal reported.

“Frankie and Rosie went to Malta 18 months ago and fell in love with the place,” explained Noel.

“Anna and I had always fancied a life in the Mediterranean and it all just went from there. We’re hoping this move will be a new change of lifestyle and easier living, although Rose and Anna say they don’t like the sun, but we think they’ll get used to it.”

According to Frankie, moving to Malta has a number of advantages.

“The climate is lovely all year round, the first language is English, they drive on the left hand side of the road and the crime rate in Malta is the lowest in the world,” he said.

The new Derry bar is based on the main thoroughfare of Sliema where the couples hope to attract local trade and tourists. The bar is built in the traditional old brick with a huge oak door.

It also has a brand new kitchen that’s just been fitted where Anna and Rosie hope to wow locals with their Irish stew. Inside, the bar will be decorated with pictures from Derry City and plans are in operation for a website.

“It takes just 50 minutes to drive from the top of the island to the bottom, it’s a fantastic place – more than 7,000 years old,” said Frankie.

“If flights are booked early enough you can get over here for a e70 return airfare. We’re also just 60 miles from Sicily. Even in November the average temperature here is 25 degrees. We’ve already been chatting to lots of people who are anxious to come out. We see this very much as a place Derry people will visit.”