There’s a new kind of pub taking root in Dubai—one where sculpted oak, Verde Guatemala marble, and hand-finished textures replace the expected brass taps and tartan upholstery. Welcome to TJ’s, the signature gastro pub at TAJ Jumeirah Lake Towers, where 4SPACE has rewritten the narrative of the classic neighborhood haunt.
Occupying 180 square meters indoors and an additional 75 square meters of outdoor terrace, TJ’s strikes a finely tuned balance between elegance and ease. The design resists nostalgia in favor of something more modern and emotionally resonant—an interior that’s confident enough to reference the pub’s sociable DNA while stripping it of its clichés.
An Airy Counterpoint to Tradition
At TJ’s, 4SPACE discards the dark and heavy materials often associated with pub interiors and replaces them with warmth, tactility, and clarity. Natural light pours across softly fluted wall panels in hand-finished gypsum, painted in a soft beige tone, while custom joinery in oak veneer adds depth and texture. Hovering above it all, the ceiling—painted in a rich emerald green (RAL 6005)—anchors the space with a moody elegance that gives the interior both structure and personality.
Materiality and Mood
A diamond-patterned floor in black, off-white, and grey porcelain tile provides a bold graphic base, subtly referencing heritage motifs with a modern rhythm. At the center of the space, the bar becomes the heart of the experience. Its carved wooden front features vertical fluting that recalls classical column detailing, while arched niches at the back are softly lit with warm LED strips. Suspended above, a brushed brass shelving framework displays hanging glassware and built-in greenery—equal parts functionality and flourish.
Lighting plays a central role in defining the space’s shifting moods. Track-mounted spotlights, ambient wall sconces, and pendant fixtures ensure the atmosphere evolves seamlessly from day to night, while exposed MEP elements—also painted emerald—are carefully integrated to preserve the aesthetic harmony.
Furnishings with Soul
The furniture selection eschews uniformity in favor of tactile variety. Café-style tables with polished Verde Guatemala marble tops sit alongside powder-coated rattan-backed armchairs and plush upholstered banquettes in beige woven fabric. Each detail, from the brass accents to the soft curves of the banquette backrests, speaks to an understated sense of luxury—one that values comfort as much as craft.
An Urban Living Room, from Day to Night
TJ’s is designed with adaptability in mind. During the day, the space hums with informal meetings and lunch gatherings; by night, it transforms into a sociable hideaway for cocktails and conversation. A mix of seating types—from communal benches to intimate two-tops—invites a diverse range of interactions, allowing the space to feel simultaneously lively and personal.
The Outdoor Terrace: Alfresco Charm with a Skyline View
The terrace extends the experience into the open air, offering a cinematic view of Dubai Marina’s skyline. Finished in thermo-treated walnut-toned hardwood decking, the 75-square-meter space is framed by lush planters and ambient lighting. Green marble tables are paired with metal-framed chairs woven in rope detailing, while wraparound upholstered banquettes provide comfort without sacrificing durability. It’s a space made for slow evenings and spontaneous gatherings, where every seat feels like the best in the house.
Crafted for the Cosmopolitan Moment
TJ’s captures the evolving spirit of Dubai’s social scene—one that craves atmosphere over artifice, and authenticity over affectation. With this project, 4SPACE has elevated the familiar pub into something entirely its own: design-conscious, emotionally engaging, and deeply connected to its setting. In TJ’s, they’ve created not just a venue, but a rhythm, a ritual, a return.