Imelda on Jayesh
What were you hoping for?
A story to tell.
First impressions?
Tall, charming and the first to arrive. I had hoped to so I could be composed and in control, but my phone is rubbish so I couldn’t follow the directions.
What did you talk about?
Brexshit and the fallout with which we are living. We had a cheers to my friend’s mum, Brenda, who had the most wonderful funeral earlier in the day, and a cheers to Jayesh’s mum, whose birthday it would’ve been.
Most awkward moment?
We decided the food mess on my side of the table was not worth mentioning. So, no awkward moments.
Good table manners?
Impeccable.
Best thing about Jayesh?
I got an incredibly warm welcome. We cut straight to the chase about the wine (really fab choice by Jayesh). Our political opinions and suchlike were on a par, and he is generous to a fault.
Q&A
Fancy a blind date?
Show
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 apply
Email blind.date@theguardian.com
Thank you for your feedback.
Would you introduce Jayesh to your friends?
Of course – my friends are inquisitive (nosy), so it would be nice.
Describe Jayesh in three words.
Very engaging person.
What do you think Jayesh made of you?
Not at all a messy eater – pretty sure of that.
Did you go on somewhere?
Couldn’t really – it was a school night.
And … did you kiss?
Guardian, please!
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
My phone, to guide me in the right direction.
Marks out of 10?
Pick a number higher than 10. The company, restaurant and atmosphere were simply the best.
Would you meet again?
We promised the restaurant a revisit.
Imelda and Jayesh on their date.
Jayesh on Imelda
What were you hoping for?
A fun night out and not to make a fool of myself.
First impressions?
Imelda is a charming, happy lady and put me at ease immediately.
What did you talk about?
Life experiences, politics, Brexshit … We talked so much I can’t remember what we talked about.
Most awkward moment?
Me being early.
Good table manners?
Absolutely perfect.
Best thing about Imelda?
Putting me at ease, and her Irish accent.
Would you introduce Imelda to your friends?
No, I think they’d like Imelda more than me! Yes, of course, no reason not to.
Describe Imelda in three words.
Sensitive, caring lady.
What do you think Imelda made of you?
No idea – I probably talked too much.
Did you go on somewhere?
We were the last in the restaurant, so Imelda walked me to my station.
And … did you kiss?
We had three hugs. The connection felt more friendly – but ours will be a great friendship, that’s for sure.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
We could have carried on talking for longer, but it was getting late.
Marks out of 10?
10.
Would you meet again?
Yes. We are going back to Cord for a taster menu, as friends.
Imelda and Jayesh ate at Cord, London EC4. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com