AHongKong-style chain restaurant inXuhuiDistrict has closed down to be disinfected and for other work after a rat was spotted inside on Tuesday night, the local market watchdog said yesterday.

The rat was seen crawling inside a bird cage at theBailianXuhuioutlet ofChalisionHuashanRoad before jumping onto a sofa and scaring diners.

A video of the incident was posted online.

XuhuiDistrict Bureau for Market Regulation supervisors went to the restaurant on Tuesday night, officials said.

They found a broken ceiling leading to improper rat and pest control and prevention measures.

The restaurant was ordered to put things right immediately, thoroughly disinfect the premises and exterminate any rats.

In a statement released on Tuesday night, Chalisiapologized.