Bankrupt wedding caterer Christopher Holt investigated after ‘tip-offs’ 

As the chef’s financial woes continue, the Telegraph can also reveal he has been charged with mid-range drink driving and driving while suspended.

A wedding caterer who left several brides and grooms thousands of dollars out of pocket and scrambling for last-minute dining options is being investigated over potential breaches of his bankruptcy obligations.

As frustrated couples and suppliers try to recoup almost $200,000 in losses from Orchard Catering Co chef Christopher Holt, the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) has informed creditors he is the subject of investigation after “multiple tip-offs and inquiries regarding potential breach of obligations during his bankruptcy” were received.

Orchard Catering Co chef Christopher Holt.

“The trustee did not initially identify any issues requiring investigation. However, the estate was reactivated because we received multiple tip-offs and inquiries regarding potential breach of obligations during his bankruptcy,” the letter to creditors read.

“The Official Trustee is assessing the information provided and will refer to Enforcement section for investigation once finalised.”

As his financial woes continue, the Telegraph can also reveal Holt has been charged with mid-range drink driving and driving while suspended, after he was allegedly caught drunk behind the wheel on the state’s south coast. He is set to face court next Tuesday.

Documents obtained by the Sunday Telegraph show Holt declared bankruptcy on July 3, 2023. Despite this the Telegraph has confirmed he continued to take on new clients and failed to declare his financial troubles.

Under bankruptcy legislation, if a sole trader’s business name doesn’t contain their full name, they must tell all people they do business with that they are bankrupt.

Holt declared bankruptcy in July 2023.

A full list of creditors show’s Holt’s debts have reached $192,000 – owing thousands to the tax office – as well as thousands of dollars to out-of-pocket brides and grooms, ranging from $800 to almost $6000 for failed catering services.

After being forced to dip into their savings to pay for new caterers, the couples are unlikely to see any refunds from Holt, with documents from AFSA stating he has just over $2,800 in the bank and no other assets.

“We are all really angry,” one bride said. “We understand these things can happen, but he kept us in the dark, and made the lead up to some of our weddings really stressful.”

Holt’s business Orchard Catering Co, was the go-to caterer for south coast couples – but his famed business began to crumble when he declared bankruptcy.

Brides and grooms have been left fuming, with little likelihood of getting their money back from Holt any time soon.

Instead of facing the issue head-on, couples have claimed he failed to respond, breaking the news to one just 24 hours before their wedding, another nine days out, others three weeks and eight weeks from the event.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances Orchard Catering Co will no longer be able to continue its operations as a catering supplier,” a mass text to some of his clients read.

“Sadly we have been made bankrupt and cannot fulfil our current obligations to our clients.”

In a statement, Holt said he was “doing my best to recover financially and see all couples compensated.”

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