Although the upstairs conference room and dance venue have been closed off, the ground-floor dining area still has that ’60s feel.

“Customers sometimes ask if they can buy the light fittings,” he said.

“The architecture is unchanged. About all I’ve changed is fresh painting and put in a new fridge.”

On his walls hang some of his extensive collection of old local photographs.

The Savoy was first opened by the Frangos family and Mr Tampion stepped in 26 years ago.

He’s been associated with Liebig Street for about 50 years, having started his working career as a lad at the former Moran and Cato grocery store in Liebig Street.

Some of his customers now are pensioners to whom he delivered groceries years ago.

“I get a kiss and a cuddle from them when they come in,” he said. “You meet a lot of people in this business. It’s great. Liebig Street has had many changes.

“There have been vacant shops before, but I’ve never seen them remain vacant for so long.

“It’s still a strong street, it will recover. Good service is the key.”

He cited parking costs and traffic congestion as the most common complaints.

“Something definitely needs to be done about parking,” he said.

“The council seems to be so set on meters. I reckon we need some free parking for shoppers in the CBD. When the big parking area was built behind us by the council all traders put in money for 10 years, now there’s no free areas there,” he said.

Mr Tampion is an avid researcher on local heritage and his first book on Liebig Street is likely to be followed by publications listing the history of other central streets.

“It’s fascinating what you find,” he said.