Rosie on Ella
What were you hoping for?
To meet someone interesting, enjoy some nice food and not get roasted in the write up.
First impressions?
She was really friendly and I could tell it was going to be a nice evening.
What did you talk about?
Berlin, where we’d both recently been, London, Morpeth, vegetarian cooking, the Blind Date column (meta), Nick Clegg (negatively), queer fantasy novels, drag kings, yellow carrots.
Any awkward moments?
No, though I dropped a spoon on myself, and a couple at the next table were having a very awkward date.
Good table manners?
Impeccable. We were both up for three courses and sharing multiple starters.
Best thing about Ella?
It’s hard to pick just one thing. She’s really open and engaging. We were able to get to know each other well.
Would you introduce her to your friends?
Definitely, they’d get on well.
Q&A
Want to be in Blind date?
Show
Blind date is Saturday’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 Saturday 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
Describe Ella in three words?
A lovely person.
What do you think she made of you?
I think positive things.
Did you go on somewhere?
Yes, we found a pub. Ella very kindly bought me a drink, but we left before I could return the favour as we had to catch the tube before it stopped running. (Bring back the night tube!)
And … did you kiss?
No, it was more of a friendly than romantic connection.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I wouldn’t have accidentally ordered a pizza with ham on it!
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
For sure. We might go to some queer venues and events together as friends.
Ella on Rosie
What were you hoping for?
Something along the lines of that famous old Blind Date column: “I left my knickers at a house party we crashed”. Failing that, a fun evening with tasty food.
First impressions?
Smiley. Immediately put me at ease.
What did you talk about?
Cooking, recent holidays, coming out stories, lots of wonderful queer stuff.
Any awkward moments?
Nothing could be more awkward than the hands-on-hips pose I attempted to strike for the pre-dinner picture.
Good table manners?
I can’t fault someone who suggests ordering two types of cheese as a starter.
Best thing about Rosie?
Her genuine interest in the world.
Would you introduce her to your friends?
Sure!
Describe Rosie in three words?
Engaging, funny and interesting.
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What do you think she made of you?
Adept at finding a semi-decent pub with seats on a Friday night.
Did you go on somewhere?
A pub in Soho.
And … did you kiss?
We did not.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
To have eaten more of the burrata. I thought about it all the way home.
Marks out of 10?
All 10s.
Would you meet again?
Definitely, as friends. A trip to She Soho has been suggested.
