The amount is believed to be at least $30,000.

The police yesterday confirmed a report had been lodged and are investigating. The suspect is out on bail.

The man, who is in his 30s, was arrested by the police last Thursday. Two other full-time staff were suspended pending police investigation.

The arrest led to 15 part-time staff from its restaurant, who were under the man's supervision, leaving the company without notice last Friday.

The owners were left in the lurch, given the busy Friday and Saturday dinner business.

'It was madness because we were fully booked for the weekend, and we had nearly 500 guests each night,' said co-owner Cynthia Chua, 34.

'Some customers said they were not getting prompt service or their drink orders taken at the bar, but most were generally understanding.'

Ms Chua also owns the Spa Esprit group, and Strip and Browhaus beauty chains. Employees from these outlets pitched in to help that weekend.

'They pooled together to help, voluntarily, and that company spirit kept me going,' said Ms Chua, who served behind the bar herself too.

House opened in July at a cost of $5 million. It is one of many eateries and bars in the former army barracks.

The alleged theft was discovered after a tip-off from some full-time staff, which prompted the owners to do an audit of the accounts.

When the figures did not tally and there was evidence of records being meddled with, they reviewed tapes from the closed-circuit cameras there, and made a police report.