Troubled Doncaster bar hit by rat infestation now files for insolvency

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.

The business later re-opened but is currently shut with bosses annnouncing that the premises were undergoing a refurbishment.

But it has emerged that the firm has filed for insolvency – with a meeting of creditors set to be held on February 16.

A notice posted by The Gazette, the official record of statutory notices and insolvency announcements said: "The decisions being sought from creditors at the meeting will include considering resolutions for the appointment by creditors of a liquidator and a resolution specifying the terms on which the liquidator is to be remunerated.

“A meeting of shareholders has been called and will be held immediately prior to the virtual meeting of creditors to consider passing resolutions for the voluntary winding up of the company and appointment of the proposed liquidator, Jeremy Bennett.”

Mr Bennett is an insolvency practioner at West Yorkshire based solicitors’ firm O’Haras.

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.”

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 have been shared on the Otto Facebook page of work taking place inside the bar.

Three years ago, the bar was slapped with an instance closure by Doncaster Council health chiefs after inspectors found evidence of a ‘large and active’ rat infestation at the premises.