In the latest instalment of The Guardian's long-running Blind Date column, two strangers, Amanda and Paul, ventured out for dinner in Loughborough, hoping to find a spark. The result was a resounding success, with both participants awarding high marks and swapping numbers by the end of the evening.
A Promising Start and Flowing Conversation
Paul, a 53-year-old networks manager, arrived with hopes of an adventure and engaging company. His first impression of Amanda, a 56-year-old performance assessor, was of a tall, smiley woman. The conversation, held at Caravelli restaurant, flowed effortlessly from the start, covering a vast array of topics including food, wine, music, film, travel, and politics. A shared appreciation for the comedian Alan Partridge provided a particular point of connection.
From Amanda's perspective, Paul was "fit, northern and exactly my type." She had been hoping for stimulating conversation and that elusive flutter of attraction. She found him to be physically fit, active, and genuinely keen to explore the world, describing him in three words as "adventurous, genuine, open."
Awkward Moments and Pub Drinks
The evening wasn't without its slightly awkward moments. Paul's minor hiccup was arriving before the restaurant had opened. For Amanda, the most cringe-worthy moment came from the waiters, who cheekily asked for an on-the-spot review of what they thought of each other.
After their meal, the pair decided to extend the date, moving on to a "proper old pub" for another drink. The night ended on a positive note with a friendly peck on the cheek. Both agreed they had connected well enough to plan a second meeting.
Final Scores and Future Prospects
When it came to scoring the experience, Paul was unequivocal, giving the entire evening a perfect 10 out of 10 and stating he wouldn't change a thing. Amanda was slightly more reserved but still very impressed, awarding a strong 8.5 out of 10.
Paul described Amanda as "engaging, educated, Oasis-mad" and said he would happily introduce her to his friends. Amanda felt the same, believing Paul would fit right in with her social circle. The successful match underscores the enduring appeal of The Guardian's Blind Date feature, which has been pairing strangers since 2009.
Fancy a blind date of your own? The Guardian is always looking for new applicants. To be considered for a future column, you can email blind.date@theguardian.com. The feature runs every Saturday in The Guardian's magazine and online, offering a slice of modern dating life, one dinner at a time.
