Step Inside Notorious

In Jalandhar, new bar Notorious is a mash-up of tropical rooftop cabana bar and sultry speakeasy. Dheeraj Bajaj, founder and principal architect of Studio Dashline, shares more about his team’s approach to the project

Design Anthology: How did you first meet the client?

Dheeraj Bajaj: We were introduced to the client by a mutual connection, F&B consultants Secret Ingredient. We knew from the first call that we’d be a good fit — the client’s love for the project was evident from the outset and it ignited our creativity and commitment. It was their vision and dedication to Notorious that became the driving force behind every decision and design element.

What was the brief to you for the project?

The brief was as intriguing as it was challenging: to incorporate two contrasting worlds, an outdoor tropical haven and a dark secluded speakeasy, into one cohesive space.

What’s great about the neighbourhood and what makes the location unique?

Notorious is in the heart of Jalandhar in an area called Lajpat Nagar. It’s located on the rooftop of a commercial building and enjoys expansive views of the city. 

How did you approach the project — what design references or narrative did you try to incorporate into the space?

Our approach needed to integrate these two contrasting worlds into a cohesive and immersive experience. The client's initial brief posed a unique challenge and we needed to combine a tropical botanical setup for outdoor cabanas and a moody, mystic ambience for the speakeasy. The objective was to seamlessly connect these two spaces under the bar’s overarching theme. We looked to the language of Art Deco to tie these two worlds together, since the design movement emerged around the same time as the concept of speakeasy, in the 1920s. It felt like the perfect central theme to blend the outdoor spaces and speakeasy together.

To address the challenge of connecting the overall space, central walkways were conceived as the backbone of the design. These walkways act as intersections, weaving through the entire space, linking a private dining room, three cabanas, an outdoor bar, outdoor fixed seating and the kitchen. They also provide a canvas for the lush landscaping, water features and roofing elements at strategic points, effectively unifying the various sections of Notorious.

The outdoor cabanas were inspired by tropical aesthetics, with plenty of plants and a pastel colour palette. On the opposite end of the spectrum, concealed behind a door, the speakeasy unfolds as a secret sanctuary. Inspired by the clandestine nature of 1920s speakeasies, the design incorporates discreet access and, as one enters this hidden realm, there’s a shift in ambience and the space evokes the allure of yesteryear. 

Which of the pieces are custom designed? 

In the smoking zone, we designed the bench and ashtray so that the metal ashtray becomes an extension of the curved concrete bench. The cabanas have custom tabletops made from black granite, with grooves cut in the stone to mimic a mosaic pattern, with timber along the edges — an Art Deco-inspired element that adds pattern and character to the space.  

Also blending design and function, the speakeasy has a table designed for lounge seating with inbuilt bottle chillers. 

Please tell us a little about the material choices for the space. 

Our design philosophy is based on the union of disparate materials, colours and fabrics, and we delight in pushing the boundaries to create a symphony of textures and visual contrasts. 

Notorious is no different. Here we’ve realised seemingly unconventional combinations to great effect. The combination of natural stone with brass, for example, pairs the rawness of stone with the polished gleam of the metal. Similarly, the juxtaposition of metal and wood creates tension between industrial strength and natural warmth. 

Elsewhere, the cool solidity of marble meets the warmth of wood, while tiles introduce patterns and textures. Earthy lime clay plaster combines with soft fabrics to add depth and tactility quality to the space. Granite, brass and wood is another combination of textures and tones that creates a luxurious and multidimensional palette.

Images by Yash R Jain