Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

Blind date: ‘Being Scottish definitely worked in my favour. He loves Scotland’

Man in dark blue jacket and woman in cream raincoat for Blind Date - Dan and Emmie

Dan on Emmie

What were you hoping for?
To snog the love of my life. Failing that, I’d heard good things about the broccoli.

First impressions?
Great glasses, great Scottish accent, great punctuality. A strong start.

What did you talk about?
Living on Shetland, in Japan, Berlin, Norwich. Books. Boats.

Most awkward moment?
When some of our fellow diners started singing and dancing along to the music. Turns out there are some restaurant-goers out there who really, really love the work of Jon Bon Jovi.

Good table manners?
Absolutely.

Best thing about Emmie?
Her curiosity for art and literature. And she’s very funny.

Would you introduce Emmie to your friends?
Yes, she’s great.

Describe Emmie in three words
Smart, creative, genuine.

What do you think Emmie made of you?
Here is a very normal man who designs socks and has a fetish for Scotland.

Did you go on somewhere?
No, but we were the last ones in the restaurant at closing time.

And … did you kiss?
No. I think Emmie is great, but it didn’t feel like a romantic connection.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
More broccoli. It was every bit as good as I’d imagined.

Marks out of 10?
8.

Would you meet again?
Absolutely, we are off to see some art soon.

Emmie on Dan

What were you hoping for?
Interesting conversation with someone new, and perhaps some feedback on my dating skills.

First impressions?
Warm and friendly, excellent socks.

What did you talk about?
Places we’ve lived, ceilidh dancing, book ideas – his serious and interesting, mine extremely silly.

Most awkward moment?
None. I did feel like one side of my face was extremely red from the open fire.

Good table manners?
No notes.

Best thing about Dan?
His warm demeanour. And his socks.

Would you introduce Dan to your friends?
Sure. Dan is very gregarious and would get on with most people.

Describe Dan in three words
A lovely man.

What do you think Dan made of you?
Hopefully funny. Being Scottish definitely worked in my favour. Dan loves Scotland.

Did you go on somewhere?
We stayed until the restaurant closed, then he walked me to the station.

And … did you kiss?
Not that kind of evening.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Probably not being quite so close to the aforementioned fire.

Marks out of 10?
A solid 7.5.

Would you meet again?
I’ve invited him along to my fifth viewing of Kerry James Marshall at the Royal Academy.

Emmie and Dan ate at The Barbary, London WC2. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.