Ollie on Rachel
What were you hoping for?
To find my soulmate or, failing that, a free burger.
First impressions?
Rachel seemed quite nervous, but endearing and friendly.
What did you talk about?
Our connection to Nottingham, her job in costume design, my passion for hot sauce and shoegaze, our shared love of Normal People.
Any awkward moments?
There were a couple that threatened to lull into awkward silence, but we managed to keep the conversation flowing.
Good table manners?
Very good! Rachel navigated the presence of a large falafel ball in her bagel with consummate ease.
Best thing about Rachel?
Her job is so cool!
Would you introduce her to your friends?
I’m not sure they’d have much in common.
Describe Rachel in three words?
Creative, outgoing, personable.
What do you think she made of you?
A friendly guy with an unusually intense hatred of fruit salad.
Did you go on somewhere?
We did not. There wasn’t a spark, so I didn’t feel the compulsion.
If it weren’t for social distancing, would you have kissed?
Unfortunately, I don’t think either of us felt that way.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
I fear I announced my departure somewhat abruptly. We’d spent about 15 minutes talking at the restaurant after finishing our desserts, then I said I was going to get a tube home. Perhaps I could have handled things slightly differently.
Marks out of 10?
6.
Would you meet again?
I doubt it.
Rachel on Ollie
What were you hoping for?
That this wouldn’t really be published online. And to cross “blind date” off my 30 before 30 list.
First impressions?
Friendly and easy-going.
What did you talk about?
Nottingham nightlife, festival disasters and whether Banksy could really be Neil Buchanan or the drummer from Massive Attack.
Any awkward moments?
Mutually pouring more orange juice on the table than in our mimosas.
Good table manners?
We agreed not to judge, as burgers just aren’t fair.
Best thing about Ollie?
Sounds like he takes good care of houseplants.
Would you introduce him to your friends?
I’d be surprised if their paths crossed.
Describe Ollie in three words?
Good-humoured company.
What do you think he made of you?
Maybe slightly distant and unable to keep food on her plate?
Did you go on somewhere?
We couldn’t finish all the pancakes, so the night came to a natural end.
If it weren’t for social distancing, would you have kissed?
I wouldn’t blame the social distancing for why we didn’t kiss. I’d say it was more the lack of chemistry (and drinks).
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
It’s hard to have chemistry in a diner, so maybe a different venue.
Marks out of 10?
6. It was very unromantic.
Would you meet again?
We would have had to swap numbers for that.
• Ollie and Rachel ate at Polo Bar, London EC2. They were photographed separately for this image. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com