Blind date: ‘I was in the bathroom when she arrived – the maitre d' thought I'd done a runner'

The Guardian

12-04-2025

What were you hoping for?
A man with teeth, good posture, social skills and character.
First impressions?
Smiley, friendly, chatty– and good posture.
What did you talk about?
Tennis. Yoga. Dr Martens. Growing up. Our careers. Travels. Spike Milligan and much more. It was an evening full of talk.
Most awkward moment?
I'm immune to awkwardness, having plenty of experience of putting my foot in it.
Good table manners?
Table manners doth not maketh a good man. Being the youngest sister of three brothers, I'm fiercely protective of my own food. He was OK with that.
Best thing about Sacha?
He was easy to talk to and conversation flowed endlessly, meandering over many topics.
Would you introduce Sacha to your friends?
Only the civilised ones.
Describe Sacha in three words.
Gentleman, interesting and interested.
What do you think Sacha made of you?
No idea.
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]
Did you go on somewhere?
The tube, a great underground scene.
And did you kiss?Just a peck on the cheek as we said our goodbyes.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I wish I'd ordered a G&T. And we both need to remain optimistic in our search to find someone who thinks we're amazing in every way.
Marks out of 10?
There was no romantic spark, so 7. But it's so hard to score as he was lovely (I know plenty who would give him a 10), just not my type.
Would you meet again?
It was friendship vibes only for me.
What were you hoping for?
A fun evening with an attractive woman. And, as a bonus, a spark.
First impressions?
Attractive, confident and chatty.
What did you talk about?
Iyengar yoga. Generational differences. Spike Milligan and the immortal line on his headstone: 'I told you I was ill.'
Most awkward moment?
I was not aware of any. Bridget has a warm, down-to-earth attitude to life, which created a relaxing environment.
Good table manners?
Bridget managed her linguine very elegantly, which is not easy.
Best thing about Bridget?
She is full of energy and the sort of person who will have an engaging conversation with strangers. We need more people like this in the world.
Would you introduce Bridget to your friends?
Definitely, she'd lighten any gathering.
Describe Bridget in three words.
Talkative, lively and curious.
What do you think she made of you?
Hopefully that I am a good listener and have an open mind.
Did you go on somewhere?
No, we were made very comfortable and welcome in the restaurant.
And … did you kiss?
No, just a peck on the cheek.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Not being in the bathroom when she arrived – the maitre d' was speculating with her as to whether I'd done a runner.
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
I happen to live near a memorial to Spike Milligan that Bridget did not know about. I hope to tempt Bridget with a tour and a coffee next time she is in London.
Sacha and Bridget ate at Cafe Murano in London SE1. Fancy a blind date? Email [e-mail]