José on Tom
What were you hoping for?
That I hadn’t dated him before. London is smaller than one might think.
First impressions?
Friendly and elegant.
What did you talk about?
Pets, managing restaurants and how good the live music was.
Any awkward moments?
Only the waiter breaking up the conversation at regular intervals.
Good table manners?
Of course, but I don’t normally pay attention until a fork flies through the room.
Best thing about Tom?
Very chatty.
Would you introduce him to your friends?
Why not? But most of them are in Portugal, so it could be a logistical challenge.
Describe him in three words
Chatty, positive and friendly.
What do you think he made of you?
I have absolutely no idea.
Did you go on somewhere?
We went to the BFI bar for a last drink.
And... did you kiss?
Nope. Just a warm hug.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
I wouldn’t have just seen that episode of Black Mirror where they constantly rate people with their phones.
Marks out of 10?
7.
Would you meet again?
I think so, but we didn’t exchange numbers.
Tom on José
What were you hoping for?
Hopefully a little chemistry. Breakfast would be a bonus.
First impressions?
Lovely guy, very interesting.
What did you talk about?
Holidays, London life, dating and having children.
Any awkward moments?
The goodbye, because I wasn’t sure what he was going in for.
Good table manners?
No complaints.
Best thing about José?
He was incredibly easy to talk to.
Would you introduce him to your friends?
I certainly would, although we didn’t have much in common.
Describe him in three words
Genuine, cultured, easy-going.
What do you think he made of you?
There wasn’t a real spark between us, but I’d hope he enjoyed the company.
And... did you kiss?
No, just a hug.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
That the waiter was slightly less intrusive.
Marks out of 10?
7.
Would you meet again?
I don’t think so.
• Tom and José ate at Oxo Brasserie, London SE1.
Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
For a free three-day trial of Soulmates, go to soulmates.theguardian.com/subscribe/blinddate
