Blind date: ‘We had to abandon our main courses and seek shelter’

Chris on Greg

What were you hoping for?
Nice food and good conversation. It was my first meal out in 2021, so I was quite excited.

First impressions?
Stylish – I really liked what Greg was wearing.

What did you talk about?
All sorts. TV we’d watched during lockdown, our jobs, writing, running, singing, politics, gay bars we miss going to.

Any awkward moments?
After an initial “How do we greet each other in a Covid-secure manner?” awkward wave, it was plain sailing.

Good table manners?
Impeccable.

Best thing about Greg?
He’s a natural conversationalist; we talked for hours.

Would you introduce him to your friends?
Absolutely. They would enjoy his company.

Describe Greg in three words
Funny, friendly, engaging.

What do you think he made of you?
I hope he didn’t notice quite how much of my starter I ended up wearing. Attempting to eat a dainty salad in gale-force winds is not ideal.

Did you go on somewhere?
Yes, we had a little nightcap at a nearby pub.

If it weren’t for social distancing, would you have kissed?
I don’t usually kiss on a first date.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
The weather. We had to abandon our main courses and seek shelter momentarily.

Marks out of 10?
A solid 8.

Would you meet again?
We swapped numbers, so maybe we will.

Q&A

Want to be in Blind date?

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Blind date is Guardian Weekend magazine’s dating column: every week, two strangers are paired up for dinner and drinks, and then spill the beans to us, answering a set of questions. This runs, with a photograph we take of each dater before the date, in Guardian Weekend magazine (in the UK) and online at theguardian.com every Saturday. It’s been running since 2009 – you can read all about how we put it together here.

What questions will I be asked?
We ask about age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests and the type of person you are looking to meet. If you do not think these questions cover everything you would like to know, tell us what’s on your mind.

Can I choose who I match with?
No, it’s a blind date! But we do ask you a bit about your interests, preferences, etc – the more you tell us, the better the match is likely to be.

Can I pick the photograph?
No, but don't worry: we'll choose the nicest ones.

What personal details will appear?
Your first name, job and age.

How should I answer?
Honestly but respectfully. Be mindful of how it will read to your date, and that Blind date reaches a large audience, in print and online.

Will I see the other person’s answers?
No. We may edit yours and theirs for a range of reasons, including length, and we may ask you for more details.

Will you find me The One?
We’ll try! Marriage! Babies!

Can I do it in my home town?
Only if it’s in the UK. Many of our applicants live in London, but we would love to hear from people living elsewhere.

How to apply
Email blind.date@theguardian.com

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Thank you for your feedback.

Greg on Chris

What were you hoping for?
Excellent company and some shelter from the rain; I got one of those.

First impressions?
There was no cover...

What did you talk about?
I wrote a list in my taxi home that included Drag Race, limoncello and elite gay choir singing (listed twice). The rest is pretty incomprehensible.

Any awkward moments?
The wind and rain made for a particularly dynamic meal. The waiter took pity on us and moved us to a more sheltered area.

Good table manners?
We bartered over the last portion of Devonshire crab... I settled for the caponata.

Best thing about Chris?
He didn’t cancel on me like my original Guardian Blind Date did (his loss). It worked out for the best, as Chris is a charming guy.

Would you introduce him to your friends?
I had a full debrief with them in the morning, and they’re ready to give him a chance.

Describe Chris in three words
Happy, creative and kind.

What do you think he made of you?
Hopefully, a gentleman. Otherwise, I took the rainy seat for nothing.

Did you go on somewhere?
Yes, for wine(s) round the corner.

If it weren’t for social distancing, would you have kissed?
I think we would make a cracking support bubble.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
To have been inside. We came dangerously close to being blown into the Thames.

Marks out of 10?
Who’s Mark? I prefer Chris (7/10).

Would you meet again?
We discussed going clubbing. I’d be up for a dance.

Chris and Greg ate at Tavolino, London SE1.

Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian com

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