In this week's Blind Date, Colman, a 31-year-old lawyer, meets Ben, a 28-year-old assistant stage manager, for dinner and drinks at the Bull and Last in London NW5. Both arrived early and were pleasantly surprised by their similar outfits.
Colman on Ben
Colman was hoping for brown eyes, decent chat, and a good story. He found Ben punctual and engaging. They discussed the best and worst shows they've seen, the Australian outback, the seven oak trees of Sevenoaks, Blarney Castle, standup comedy, coming out, and celebrities they've encountered. There were no awkward moments; the conversation flowed easily from the start. Ben had exceptional table manners, topping up Colman's glass and being kind to a dog that wandered over.
The best thing about Ben, according to Colman, was his warmth, chatty nature, and genuine interest in what Colman had to say. He would introduce Ben to his friends, especially if Ben joins his gay run club. They discovered they had no mutual Instagram followers. Colman describes Ben as easy-going, engaging, and mischievous.
Colman thinks Ben perceived him as open, affable, and inquisitive, and Ben called him quick-witted, which Colman appreciated. After dinner, they stayed for coffee and tea, lingering until Ben had to go to work. Colman traveled with him on the train, which felt like a nice way to end the evening. They hugged goodbye on the train. If Colman could change one thing, it would be that Ben didn't have to go to work, as they would have happily gone for a drink. Colman rates the date a 9 out of 10 and would meet again, as Ben suggested meeting up after Colman's holidays.
Ben on Colman
Ben was hoping for a decent story for office chat. His first impression was eyelash envy. They talked about Barry's Tea, Joanne McNally, and how they'd fare during a zombie apocalypse. The most awkward moment was the intermittently disturbed conversation when the train they took afterward started screaming. Ben praised Colman's table manners with a chef's kiss emoji.
The best thing about Colman was his joie de vivre and his ability to see the funny side of everything. Ben would introduce Colman to his friends, saying he'd slot right in. Describing Colman in three words, Ben said "Vibes all the way" (technically four). Ben thinks Colman saw him as convivial, though he had a sweaty forehead for the first half-hour.
They didn't go on somewhere because Ben had to work. They didn't kiss, as Ben joked his mother might be reading. If he could change one thing, it would be that work wasn't calling. Ben gives the date a solid 9 out of 10 and plans to meet again, saying, "Stay tuned, divas."
Colman and Ben ate at the Bull and Last in London NW5. To apply for a blind date, email blind.date@theguardian.com.
