The owners of the Dinner by Heston restaurant in Melbourne have directly blamed Crown Resorts for its role in an underpayment scandal at the high-end eatery, saying the casino company was more than simply a landlord, it was a "partner" in the failed business.

The restaurant, which is fronted by world-renowned chef Heston Blumenthal, will not trade beyond this Friday night after it went into provisional liquidation owing employees in excess of $4 million from underpayment and more than $400,000 in entitlements. It is expected to be put into liquidation by the Federal Court this week.

The Heston Blumenthal-fronted restaurant is set to close this week Credit:Wayne Taylor

The British-based arm of Dinner by Heston, a company called Tipsy Cake, released a statement to The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald saying Crown was significantly involved in the underpayment scandal that has led to the imminent demise of the restaurant, and ignored attempts to address the problem. Crown disputes the claims.

“As a foreign company, Tipsy relied from the outset on the advice given by advisers in Australia and our partner Crown Melbourne, who were responsible for advising on the staff remuneration blueprint for the restaurant,” a Tipsy Cake spokesperson said.