Table For Two | ‘The only awkward moment was when he said his ex cheated with a straight guy’

Rob (left)Age

: 28
Occupation: Project Manager

Mark (right)
Age: 28
Occupation: PR Manager

Why did you decide to go on a blind date?

Mark: I’d just moved back from living in New York for a few months and figured ‘Why not?’ – I’d never been on a blind date before and thought it might be fun. Got to be better than swiping left and right on Tinder ad nauseum.

Rob: I’m over online dating and whenever I pluck up the courage to chat up a guy in a bar, he always turns out to be in a relationship (or so I’m told), so it was about time to try a new approach.

What were your first impressions?

Mark: I don’t really have a type, although my friends would probably disagree (they’d say glasses, tall and facial hair), but I found him attractive and approachable.

Rob: He was a bit late so I was preparing myself for a meal for one, but when he turned up I felt completely at ease and the conversation started flowing straight away. I first noticed his hair; he had quite a wild style.

How was the conversation and what did you talk about?

Mark: It flowed really well – neither one of us dominated the conversation too much, and from what I could tell, we both seemed genuinely interested in what the other had to say. We talked about work, growing up, music tastes and even coming out stories.

Rob: We talked lots about travelling and shared funny stories. I most enjoyed hearing about how he taught English to kids in France but gave up, as they were so terrible, so used it as a chance to practise his own French and then failed them all.

Any awkward moments?

Mark: None! Really boring I know, and you can usually rely on me for a foot-in-mouth moment.

Rob: Only when he mentioned how one his ex-boyfriends had cheated on him with a straight guy!

How was the food?

Mark: Incredible! I had the kangaroo tartare, steak from Normandy and the dulce mousse, which had bacon in it! The wine was very good too, and expertly paired with the dishes. We even followed up with a glass of dessert wine, which meant resurfacing on to the streets of Victoria was a little more light-headed than anticipated.

Rob: It was easily the best I’ve had on a first date, so we over indulged and went all out with three courses. We drunk copious amounts and he had an impressive knowledge of wine.

Snog, marry, avoid?

Mark: We got on really well, a charming and friendly guy. I really liked him on a personal level, but didn’t feel a romantic spark per se, so it would have to be avoid.

Rob: I’d marry him if I could eat that well every day. But speaking honestly, I had such a lovely evening, it felt more as friends. So I’d probably have to avoid.

Would your mum like him?

Mark: My mum is pretty quirky – I’ve only introduced her to one boyfriend and I still don’t really know what she thought. I’d save him the inquisition.

Rob: He’s Scottish and my mum’s half Scottish so I feel they would have a natural bond. I can’t really imagine any mum not liking him.

Will you see each other again?

Mark: We swapped numbers but probably just as friends – would definitely like to stay in touch! You can never have too many good-hearted people in your life.

Rob: Maybe as friends, we swapped numbers and I’m sure we could have a fun night out some time.

Date rating:

Mark: 7/10

Rob: 7/10

Mark and Rob dined at M Restaurant, Victoria Street, London. 

If you’re in London and would like to go on a blind date for Attitude’s Table For Two, emailchris.godfrey@attitude.co.uk.

You can see more Table for Two in the latest issue of Attitude, available to download and in shops now. Print copies are available to order from newsstand.co.uk.

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