The owner of a Waterfront restaurant has vowed to fight a legal battle after he was forced to close following repossession by the building's landlord. 

Amr Eissa, of Oasis Bar and Lounge, saw his business shut in January after "forfeiture of the lease by peaceable entry". 

However, Mr Eissa claims the repossession was not legal and has now vowed to fight in an effort to save his Mediterranean restaurant. 

"I worked so hard to make this business," he said.

Ipswich Star: The notice which appeared on the door of Mr Eissa's business in January. Credit: William WarnesThe notice which appeared on the door of Mr Eissa's business in January. Credit: William Warnes (Image: William Warnes)

"I did everything I could to avoid this and I was devastated when I found the notices on my door.

"I'm now going to fight to win this back."

The closure came after the Mediterranean restaurant faced an extensive alcohol licensing battle with nearby residents - something Mr Eissa claims forced the landlord's hand.

"He didn't believe that I could afford to pay rent just selling food or coffee," he said.

"I was confident I would be able to, but I suggested alternatives such as sharing the office space with another company.

"I understand why neighbours were concerned about an alcohol license and I don't blame them."

However, the landlord of the building has claimed the licensing battle was not his main concern - instead pointing to "substantial rent arrears".

"From my perspective, this is nothing to do with the license. It's about rent arrears and a breach of the rental contract," he said. 

Ipswich Star: Oasis Bar and Lounge on Ipswich Waterfront. Credit: William WarnesOasis Bar and Lounge on Ipswich Waterfront. Credit: William Warnes (Image: William Warnes)

"I told him he couldn't do a sub-tenancy with another business while he was in rent arrears.

"I now need to find a new tenant very urgently as I need to recover financially."

The father of two has admitted he was in rent arrears, but claimed he had an agreement with the landlord to delay payment while covering the cost of the licensing application.

The building's owner described this claim as "nonsense".

Mr Eissa has now vowed to take up legal action in a bid to recover the business.

"I'm confident I will be able to get it back and I'll do all I can to ensure that happens," he said.

"It was my dream and I will never let it go."