Liquidators appointed at Doncaster bar as winding up process begins
Liquidators have been appointed at a troubled Doncaster bar which was shut down over a serious rat infestation and which was fined £20,000 for breaching food hygiene regulations.
Otto’s Wine Bar and Kitchen in Sprotbrough was shut down by Doncaster Council health chiefs after inspectors found evidence of a ‘large and active’ rat infestation at the premises in 2023.
Earlier this month it emerged that the business had filed for insolvency – and liquidators have now been appointed.
A notice posted by The Gazette, the official record of statutory notices and insolvency announcements said a creditors’ meeting had been held last week and added: “It has been proved to the satisfaction of this meeting that the company cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue its business and that it is advisable to wind up the same and, accordingly, that the Company be wound up voluntarily.”
Jeremy Bennett of West Yorkshire solicitors O’Haras has been appointed liquidator for the purposes of winding the company up, which it said was run by director Daniel Munro.
Otto filed for insolvency despite telling customers it was undergoing a refit, telling customers that the Main Street bar had been closed for refurbishment.
The business was hit with a £20,000 bill after being found in breach of food hygiene regulations, related to a rat infestation at the premises several years ago.
In a notice posted on the firm’s Facebook page, which didn’t mention the winding-up, an Otto spokesperson said: “Just checking in as we know we originally hoped we’d be open by beginning of February, however, things have taken longer than we anticipated.
“We will update you as soon as we know a reopening date.”
Since news of the bar’s insolvency emerged, that post has now been deleted, along with numerous posts from angry customers blasting the bar.
Late last year, Otto was fined £14,000 for breaching food hygiene regulations.
Bosses admitted eight charges, including improper food handling and failing to implement sufficient procedures to control pests.
Doncaster magistrates heard that when council inspectors visited in November 2023, a staff member confirmed there were rats in the building when asked.
The court heard the offencesrelated to improper storage of wrapping materials risking contamination, failure to maintain food preparation surfaces in good condition and inadequate cleaning of equipment.
The business also failed to ensure adequate procedures were in place to control pests, failed to ensure the prompt removal of food waste and other refuse and failed to store ingredients in appropriate conditions.
As well as the fine, the business was ordered to pay £6,118.71 towards the costs of the case.
Otto was forced to close in October last year following a fire at adjoining Indian restaurant Mehfil, which has also been forced to close its doors for a refurbishment.
In recent weeks, a number of photos had been shared on the Otto Facebook page of work taking place inside the bar.