“Spicer won’t want fish and chips,” Dallow said.

Brighton is a shining star for vegans looking to brighten their lives with some cruelty-free dining. Unfortunately the shine has been dimmed a whole lot with the sad closing of a vegetarian supernova.

Red Veg was a fantastic idea. As a vegan I often longed for the type of fast food that is usually only sold by mass-murdering corporations. Red Veg took that concept of burger, fries and a drink and rescued the cow. They weren’t a completely vegan company, but they did have many tasty options suitable for vegans and their burgers couldn’t be beaten. I am hesitant to sing their praises too loudly as it will only make you (and me) miss them all the more.

Red Veg Brighton on its final day

For many years I would stumble into the Soho location of Red Veg nursing a hangover. My usual order of a vegan Red Veg burger, a serving of fries and a Whole Earth soda would always set me back on the right track. On returning to London last year after years in the southern hemisphere, I was devastated to learn the Soho branch of Red Veg had been closed down. The site was reclaimed to make way for the Crossrail project. It was sad news but I appeased myself in the knowledge I still had the Brighton shop. Imagine my shock a few weeks ago when I heard news announcing the Brighton store was to close.

My last ever order from Red Veg

Josh and I hotfooted it down to Brighton to ensure we were there for the final day of Red Veg. The store was heaving with loyal customers keen to savour the goodness of the fast food outlet one last time.

We picked a window table to be the scene of our last meal. Yes, the music was too loud. Yes, the place could get a bit untidy. Yes, an order could take a while. Yes, the service could be a tad spotty. But gee, I am really going to miss being able to sit down to this meal.

Goodbye Red Veg. Like all spectacular stars you shone brightly, flickered from time to time and burned out too soon.

My final ever vegan Red Veg burger