Rita Ora apologises for breaking lockdown rules with birthday bash: 'It was an error of judgment'

The singer hosted a party at a London venue, despite restaurants only being allowed to offer takeaway and delivery services

Rita Ora has apologised for breaking the UK's lockdown rules after hosting a birthday party in a Notting Hill restaurant. AP

British singer Rita Ora has apologised for breaking the UK's lockdown rules after holding her 30th birthday party in a London restaurant with friends in tow.

Writing on Instagram on Monday, November 30, the R.I.P. singer called the party, which took place on Saturday in Notting Hill, a serious and inexcusable error of judgment.

"It was a spur of the moment decision made with the misguided view that we were coming out of lockdown and this would be OK," Ora wrote on Instagram.

"I feel particularly embarrassed knowing first-hand how hard people have worked to combat this terrible illness. Even though this won't make it right, I want to sincerely apologise."

London police confirmed that officers had been called to the restaurant over a breach of Covid-19 regulations.

Multiple reports suggest the party hosted up to 30 guests, though sources told the Daily Mail seven people were in attendance.

"Officers continue to assess the allegations and are liaising with the local authority regarding a potential breach of regulations at the premises. Enquiries continue," a Metropolitan police statement said.

The singer of hits that include Let You Love Me and How to Be Lonely has volunteered to pay a fine.

Police in England can issue fines of up to £10,000 ($13,352) for breaches of lockdown curbs.

England was placed under four weeks of restrictions to stop the spread of coronavirus in November. Restaurants and pubs were among businesses affected, and are supposed to open for takeaway and delivery orders only. People were also banned from meeting indoors with people from other households, with groups of no more than six people allowed to mix.

The lockdown is set to end on Wednesday, December 2, and be replaced by a tiered system allowing hospitality venues to reopen in certain areas and under social-distancing rules.

"It's important that everybody in society sets an example by following the rules – that is for every member of the public, including celebrities," the prime minister's official spokesman said. "But it's up to police to decide what action to take."