THE man behind recently closed Bar Orient is opening a new venue just up the road.

Former owner Tony Taylor is set to open Shenanigans inside the former Palace Arcade, but where the walls once housed arcade machines, they will now be adorned with TVs for his new sports bar.

It was a forced move after Orient Hotel owner Tattarang Group, the private investment group of Andrew and Nicola Forrest, chose not to renew the bar’s lease.

• Tony Taylor’s moved just up the road for his new outfit. Photo by Gus Cullen

Last week some passers by were lucky enough to snag some Orient memorabilia as glasses and other bar paraphernalia were put to the curb for the big clean-out.

“I was disappointed that the Orient didn’t go the way I was hoping it was going to go,” Mr Taylor said.

“They decide what they want to do, and I’m not part of it, so I’ve got to respect that and just move on.”

Mr Taylor has some insight into the future of the Orient, which has kept West Enders gossiping for months, but kept tightlipped.

Despite the disappointment of closing, Mr Taylor said Bar Orient’s New Year’s Eve sendoff was “perfect”.

Up the road, Palace Arcade made considerable noise late last year after being forced to close due to complaints from a neighbour, but Mr Taylor says he’s not too concerned.

“I’ve dealt with complaints [at Bar Orient] and listen to neighbours and that sort of stuff… I mean, harmonisation is a very important part.

“They’re entitled obviously to their quietness,” he said.

Up the road and potentially up market, Mr Taylor says the venue will offer a range of cocktails as well as usual pub staples.

Orient regulars will be relieved to find out Mr Taylor intends to carry over karaoke.

by GUS CULLEN