Following months of rumour and speculation, the much-anticipated Greggs vegan steak bake launched at Greggs today.

KentOnline reporter Brad Harper popped to the bakery firm's Canterbury branch to sample the meat-free snack - and it's safe to say he wasn't impressed....

After the popularity of Greggs' vegan sausage rolls, my expectations were high for the new vegan steak bake.

And after arriving at the Canterbury branch today to find just one left, it was clear they were already proving popular.

One of the staff members reassured me they had been a popular choice, and predicted they would be extremely busy again come lunch time.

I grabbed a seat and wasted no time in sinking my teeth into the long-awaited snack.

However, the texture of the pastry was a shock. When I imagine my ideal steak and onion pasty, I think of a flaky, golden pastry which melts in the mouth.

Greggs' vegan version was sadly a disappointment - crumbly with a mostly pale appearance.

I had another bite and managed to get a taste of the filling.

The texture of the meat alternative did replicate minced beef - but not the steak chunks people might be used to in their beloved pasty or the chunky slices of onion.

There was a generous amount of thick gravy which filled the bake.

But all I could really taste was onion, with no beef flavouring or even the saltiness you usually get with a steak and onion pasty.

For people who like the flavour of meat but are looking for a healthy or meat-free alternative, this is probably not for you.

But at least my experience didn't leave me 'traumatised for life', unlike another customer who didn't get what she expected at the city bakery.

For more quirky and unusual stories, click here.

Find out where the vegan steak bake is available in Kent and read our Maidstone reporters review of the pastry product here.

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