Elite U.K. firm Travers Smith took pre-emptive action yesterday ahead of a protest set to disrupt the City of London later this month.

The firm cancelled an event due to take place at its London headquarters, blaming the impact of the planned protest by vegan activist group Animal Rebellion.

Travers' private equity and financial sponsors group was set to hold a drinks reception on the evening of October 15, but a spokesperson for the firm emailed attendees yesterday (October 7) to inform them the event was being called off.

The statement read: "We are very sorry, but due to the Animal Rebellion protest, which is taking place in the close vicinity of the Travers Smith office in the next two weeks, this event has been cancelled."

Today (October 8) however, a person at the firm said the event had been cancelled "for a mix of reasons" and that it may be rescheduled, in response to a request for comment by Legal Week on its decision. Travers' daily operations are not being affected by the protest and the firm remains open, according to the person.

Travers' office is located close to the famed Smithfield meat market, which is the focus of Animal Rebellion's planned fortnight of disruptive action.

According to the group's website, it intends to bring attention to the issue of "destructive animal farming and fishing industries".

The animal rights activists will "peacefully occupy key sites across London to force the government to address the destruction caused  by the animal farming and fishing industries, and take urgent action against the climate emergency", its website adds.