The capital’s largest food festival, Taste of London, has cancelled its summer shindig in Regent’s Park due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The announcement was revealed via an email to exhibitors set to attend the event. Organisers said they took the decision with “with heavy hearts”.

One restaurant set to cook at Taste shared the news with the Evening Standard: “Due to restrictions and advice from the UK government in light of global health concerns regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus), it is with heavy hearts that we have determined it is no longer possible for us to proceed with Taste of London 2020 at Regent’s Park on 17-21 June.

“We will therefore be sadly cancelling the event this year.”

“This decision has been made in consultation with Public Health England and reflects our commitment to the health and safety of you and everyone involved in the festival,” the statement continues.

“We are all very disappointed and know how much hard work all our partners as well as our team have put in preparation for the 2020 edition.”

A spokesman for the festival confirmed the situation and added that organisers wished to “thank our loyal Taste fans, restaurants, partners and staff for their support, and look forward to bringing our community together again for the festive edition of Taste of London”.

The news is disappointing to food fans but hardly surprising. Nearly all upcoming events over the coming months have been cancelled or postponed as the country deals with the pandemic.

However, as it stands, Taste expects its November edition to go ahead as planned. The team said it “hopes everyone can celebrate coming together again.”