Mrs C is having a crisis. Someone messaged her saying that she looked a lot like Dame Helen Mirren. Then sent a second message saying, ‘I meant a younger Helen Mirren’ - but it was too late, the damage was done.

“That’s it. I’m going gluten free, and vegan in an attempt to reverse my apparent advancing years.” she announced, and stomped off into the garden.

“So you don’t fancy a curry, then?” I shouted after her.

“No. I want to go to Earth and Water,” she snapped.

In case you didn’t know, Earth and Water is a health food café and deli in St Thomas Street Penryn. It specialises in local, organic and gluten free foods for those on special diets, and is only open for breakfast or lunch. Our coffees were served up in old school 70’s style mugs and our salads on tin plates. The tin plates, though very cute, reminded me of Carry on Camping, but to be fair it was all in keeping with the quaint, nostalgic feel of the place. I actually loved the experience, and only wished it opened for dinner and wine, with candles on the table. Talking of wine, there wasn’t any, as it isn’t licensed. However, Mrs C made up for it later that evening when the Prosecco made a rather early entrance.

I chose a quiche made of olives and roasted vegetables served with a salad. While Mrs C, (aka Dame Helen), had a sweet potato and feta quiche served with a couscous and roasted vegetable salad with purple sprouting broccoli. According to Mrs C, eating cakes at Earth and Water is actually good for you – as not only are they gluten free, they are therefore guilt free. OK, I won’t argue with that as the one bite I was allowed of her apple crumble and cinnamon slice tasted amazing. Our lunch, with desert and drinks came to £17 – which must rank as one of the cheapest (and healthiest) lunches I’ve eaten.

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Earth and Water may not be everybody’s cup of tea but if I’m honest I think it’s one of those perfect places that deserves to thrive and prosper. Its real, rustic and delivers what it says on the tin. There is a lovely sense of community too, with locals popping in for a coffee and a chat, and two boys sat playing cards together.

After lunch, we stepped out onto the silent streets of Penryn, and a fine rain began to fall. I looked at Mrs C and smiled. I couldn't help but wonder, will being Dame Helen really turn her into a vegan? In truth, I’m looking forward to normal service being resumed.

Earth and Water Café and Deli – 6 St Thomas Street Penryn – 01326 259889

Follow Tony Cowell on Twitter: @cowelltweets