When a group of friends imagined setting up a secret bar during the Coronavirus lockdown in Portugal, they didn’t dare to dream that one day it could become a reality, let alone one that would be hitting television screens back in the UK…

Fast forward 5 years and that dream that became The Prohibition Bar in Óbidos, is hosting a week of special screenings as the story of its first six months in business is told by British TV show A New Life in the Sun. Having been featured in previous seasons, when producers heard that the run-down building was being given a new lease of life, they were keen to get the cameras rolling again.


Over three million viewers tune in each week to watch the mixed fortunes of those brave enough to launch new businesses in sunnier climes. Film crews followed the journey of over 70 Portuguese and international shareholders clubbing together to form ownership that is unique in Portugal, to finance and re-build their new venture. Showing daily at 4pm between Monday 10th and Friday 14th February, the Channel 4 programme will chart the highs and lows of the bar’s renovation in April 2024 through to last summer’s all-day original music festival…and there promises to be plenty of dramas along the way.

Events director Richard Allen says “This first year has been such a labour of love and we’re so proud of what our shared vision has become…. having that documented for television has been incredible. We’re excited to share the story of our bar with the world….and with so many people giving their time and talents to this project we can’t wait to find out who’s made the final cut!”.

Prohibition Bar in Óbidos will be showing A New Life in the Sun on its big screens every day at 4pm from Monday 10th – Friday 14th February.

Text by Beccy Haywood