Table For Two | ‘There was some kissing in public’

Christian (left) 
Age: 31
Occupation: Marketing manager

Steven (right)
Age: 38
Occupation: Training manager

What were you hoping to get out of the date?

CHRISTIAN: I had some free time on my hands and I didn’t set any expectations. Worst case scenario, I would have to endure 90 minutes with someone I don’t like while gaining a free meal and all the alcohol I could consume!

STEVEN: Connection and humour.

What were your first impressions?

C: I was waiting at the bar — I arrived about 25 minutes early to cool off, it was 28C outside — and just as my champagne was poured for me, I turned around and he was in front of me. I was impressed he had arrived a little early as well.

S: He was cute and talkative.

How different was he to your usual type?

C: Steven — I had to ask him his name, he did introduce himself but I immediately forgot it — is completely different to the guys I generally go for.

S: He was not so far removed, visually. I’m very into darker complexion/ Spanish/Portuguese guys, with masses of dark hair and deep brown eyes, but I’ve rarely dated that.

Would you have swiped left or right?

C: Right. He has that something about him that I can’t put my finger on. You want to find out more, and I am nosy.

S: Right.

How was the conversation, and what did you talk about?

C: The conversation flowed brilliantly. We found out we had similar interests and tastes in music. He’s a Glastonbury veteran, so we talked about 2017’s festival as we were both there, and we were equally excited at the rumour of Madonna potentially headlining next year.

S: Everything: music, travel, work, our approach to life. The flow was consistent and it felt very comfortable.

What was his best quality?

C: He has really nice blue eyes and is a great listener.

S: His openness.

Photography: Markus Bidaux

What did you make of his dress sense?

C: I liked it. I am not a massive fashion or trend fiend, so I didn’t pay that much attention to his clothes.

S: Certainly not as sharp as mine, but definitely passable!

Were there any deal-breakers?

C: I smoke and I was worried that would be a deal breaker for him. But it turned out that he does, too.

S: No. He had to be authentic — and he was.

What do you think he thought of you?

C: I wasn’t too sure what he thought of me until I went to collect my bag. He suddenly kissed me on the cheek and said “thank you for a lovely evening.”

S: Opinionated, but nothing less than a gentleman.

What were you most worried he would notice about you?

C: When I talk to someone I generally look anywhere but at them. At one point I mentioned this, but he laughed and said not to fret.

S: How tired I was after an early work shift.

How was the food?

C: I was really impressed with every course. The staff were fantastic also and I want to go back.

S: Excellent. I am pescatarian and both fish dishes were beautifully prepared and tasted sublime.

Christian and Steven dined at M Restaurant, Victoria Street, London

Any awkward moments?

C: Not that I can recall.

S: The initial photographs, but I resisted the urge to make that any more unnatural — bar the expression on my face.

How did the night end?

C: I suggested we go for another drink elsewhere and he was up for it. It turns out we live really close to each other, so we got the train home together. We ended up sharing quite a few kisses.

S: Some kissing in public en route to Deptford.

Snog, marry, avoid?

C: I definitely wouldn’t avoid him. I’ve already snogged him and it’s a bit too soon to put marriage on the cards. So I would say snog as he was a good kisser and I quite enjoyed it.

S: Snog – are we still using that term?

Will you meet again?

C: We exchanged numbers and I left the ball in his court to let me know when he is free. Let’s see if he calls…

S: A follow-up date has been confirmed.

RATE THE DATE!

Christian: 8/10

Steven: 9/10

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