One of the things I miss most about Brighton, and not being about to travel to London is MEATliquor. One of my most favourite things is Satan Fingers. I spent years of my life looking for a good vegan wing alternative and when MEATliquor appeared my prayers were answered.

Since moving to Kent I gave up hope of ever feeling as happy as I did in Brighton. No disrespect to Kent. It’s good. But Brighton was the first place I ever felt at home. I can shut my eyes and picture the North Laine, London Road areas, the Level, Grand Parade, Kemp Town… now. I love that city with a passion. I’ll admit it wasn’t all plain sailing, but the joy and friendship I found there will sustain me for life.

But life moved on. Things changed. And I returned to the Westcountry for a short while. I felt too far away from Brighton, and as I had some friends in Kent I felt like it was the next best place to be. I mean, yes I know, I’ve told this story before.

It ends differently this time.

I took part in a zine workshop recently with an ex-colleague, and I was chatting away absent-mindedly. My ex-colleague asked how I was finding Kent since lockdown (because I haven’t been on campus much during that time). And I said Well I like it more than I used to, I was really homesick for Brighton. But once I stopped comparing them I felt better.

So this evening I discovered jackfruit wings in a local restaurant. And they were the second most delicious vegan wing I’ve ever had.

That was good enough.