Blind date: ‘The karaoke host got the crowd to chant 'kiss, kiss, kiss'. We couldn't let the people down…'

The Guardian

6 hours ago

What were you hoping for?
At best, to meet my future wife. At worst, free food and a fun story.
First impressions?
I didn't realise Sabrina Carpenter had dyed her hair brown! Zoe immediately had a warm and lovely energy about her, which helped ease my nerves.
What did you talk about?
Voice notes, why Normal People should be classified as a horror, and our carefully curated funeral playlists.
Most awkward moment?
Zoe had a horror run with public transport, so I had a few extra minutes to intensely scrutinise the wine list.
Good table manners?
Impeccable.
Best thing about Zoe?
She just radiates positivity, and I got the sense she lights up every room she enters. She can also deliver a killer rendition of Madonna's Like A Prayer.
Would you introduce Zoe to your friends?
In a heartbeat.
Describe Zoe in three words
Caring, gorgeous, passionate.
What do you think Zoe made of you?
Well, she did say Eddie Redmayne should play me in a movie, so I like to think that was a good thing! Or maybe she was just being generous …
Did you go on somewhere?
We stayed until the restaurant closed, then went on to a pub for karaoke.
And … did you kiss?
Well, when the karaoke host informed the crowd that it was our first date and then got everyone to chant 'kiss, kiss, kiss', we couldn't let the people down …
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
If I have to be extremely picky, it would be the option to have orange wine at the restaurant.
Marks out of 10?
10.
Would you meet again?
Absolutely.
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 applyEmail [e-mail]
What were you hoping for?
Two words: a boyfriend.
First impressions?
Super cute. Did he lie about his age though? What's your skincare regime, Alex?
What did you talk about?
Our hopes for the date (Alex was looking for an outdoorsy golden retriever girly. I was mildly alarmed, as I'm more of an indoor black cat kind of gal). Our dream festival headliners, his frat party days in Colorado, the GC (Gemma Collins).
Most awkward moment?
The whole crowd cheering 'kiss kiss kiss' after our karaoke performance of the song from Dirty Dancing.
Good table manners?
Very polite, friendly to the staff, didn't hog a single dish, and kept my wine glass full.
Best thing about Alex?Total gent and a great conversationalist.
Would you introduce Alex to your friends?
Of course!
Describe Alex in three words
Warm, energetic, spontaneous.
What do you think Alex made of you?
He gave me 5/5 for karaoke – I've got the X factor, guys!
Did you go on somewhere?
A pub/drag-karaoke bar where Alex tried his first blackcurrant vodka soda.
And … did you kiss?
Yes – we pecked on stage after much heckling from the crowd (and queen).
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
The temperature – I was boiling.
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
Yes, but maybe more as friends.
Zoe and Alex ate at Fire & Wine, London W1. Fancy a blind date? Email [e-mail]