– The Charme of the Forbidden Door in Lagos, Portugal
Concept Origen
The concept originated in the 1920s in the United States of America and has survived to this day. Speakeasies were born as a response to Prohibition, which was in effect for 13 years in the country, banning the production, transport and sale of alcoholic beverages, as stipulated by the 18th amendment to the American Constitution.
However, the law failed to deter the demand for alcohol. Clandestine bars began to open, with secret locations where people gathered to drink, socialise and enjoy live music.
To avoid raids and lawsuits, the owners and patrons of these places were extremely careful and secretive. Oftentimes, to get in you had to whisper a secret password to keep the place under wraps and not attract the attention of the police.
Owing to their illicit operations, these spaces were extremely authentic and exclusive, from the location to the décor. They were mostly found in buildings with discreet façades or hidden entrances, with false doors or secret passageways and, although they were all different, they all had an intimate atmosphere, dim lighting and often served homemade, ‘bootleg’ drinks.
After the end of Prohibition, many of these venues closed down, but some survived, standing out for their aesthetic and atmosphere typical of the era.
One of the first speakeasies recorded in the very year that Prohibition began was The Back Room, in the Manhattan area of New York. Originally known as “The Back of Ratner’s”, it was hidden behind a restaurant and still stands in the same place, with its hidden entrance and typical décor.
This space that preserves the past served as a stage for many theatre and film actors of the Roaring Twenties and was used for “business meetings” between famous mobsters of the time, such as Bugsy Siegel, Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky.
Inspired by the atmosphere and style of these surviving bars, the trend caught on ‘posthumously’, at times adopting aesthetics from different eras and adjusting to evolving tastes.
The Forbidden Door in Lagos Portugal
Not one to miss out on trends, Portugal also has bars shrouded in secrecy and businesses that transform overnight, from haberdasheries to barbershops.
Although they share similar features, such as discreet entrances and cosy rooms with little light, the atmosphere is different.
In Lagos, Forbidden Door has been exploring this concept since the end of March 2024. The space adds modern flair to the classic speakeasy concept associated with the Roaring Twenties and welcomes visitors in an elegant yet relaxed space, with a maximum capacity of 36 seats.
From our apartments, forbidden Door is just a stroll of 5 min.
“More than a bar, it is a concept, an experience, almost a secret ritual,”
explain owners Welder Maciel and Catarina Loureiro.
The dim lighting and dark tones of red, black and gold, together with ambient music ranging from Jazz, Bluesand Soul to Lo-fi, as well as vintage décor, give the bar a mystical and intimate feel, where you can enjoy a bold cocktail on the comfortable sofas and armchairs.
A commitment to the craft of mixology – and the storytelling behind each drink, where ingredients are thoughtfully revealed – is one of the many reasons The Forbidden Door stands out.
Highlights include the Portuguese Old Fashion, made using a ‘fat washing’ technique with chorizo; the Cotton Pepper, with rum, passion fruit and spicy cotton candy; and the Spring Flavour, based on the classic Gin Basil Smash, served with an electric flower.
There are also sweet and savoury dishes and snacks to enjoy, including grilled ox croquettes and flourless chocolate cake, and there is no shortage of vegan options, whether drinks or food.
The experience begins with the challenge of finding the discreet entrance; you must then ring the doorbell on arrival. And the challenge continues inside the bar.
“We encourage visitors to explore the space and find little hidden surprises, the famous ‘Easter eggs’,” Welder and Catarina explain.
The goal is “to provide an immersive and memorable experience, transporting customers to an era imbued in mystery and sophistication”, they add.
The idea was born from a shared passion between Welder Maciel, from Goiás, Brazil, and Catarina Loureiro, from Santa Maria da Feira, in northern Portugal.
Whilst Welder is a Computer Engineer and certified mixologist with seven years of bar experience, Catarina holds a degree in Chemical Engineering as well as a seven-year tenure in bar work and a decade in the hospitality industry.
Both intended to stay in Lagos for only a short time, but in 2018 they fell in love with the town and decided to stay.
Together with partners Rúben Martins, Júlia Franco and Alexandre Baptista, they fulfilled their dream of opening a space that they felt was lacking in the region, inspired by speakeasies that they had visited on various trips.
“More than just serving drinks, we want to create unique moments, where each visit is a journey through time,” say the owners.
The Forbidden Door boasts a unique essence, where the focus is placed on the quality of both service and products.
The bar is open every day from 7pm to 2am and, whilst reservations are not mandatory, they are highly recommended, particularly for groups.
Adapt from Inside Algarve “The Algarve joins the speakeasy trend for lovers of meaningful mixology” September 9, 2025 | Beatriz Maio
images from Inside Algarve