BLIND DATE
Every week, we send a couple out for dinner and report back on their blind date, with a little bit of advice thrown in to help the rest of us. This week Steve Attwell and Chris Clarke went to Inamo in Covent Garden, London.
Chris is 50 and runs his own events and communications consultancy. Having travelled extensively all over the world, he now works and lives near Buckingham and has been single for two-and-a-half years. Steve, 39, is a data analyst who’s never been married and lives in Kennington, London.
CHRIS, 50, SAYS:
I’ve been single for two-and-a-half years, following a 13-year relationship. It’s just not that easy to meet people.
Many of the dating sites and phone dating apps are geared to heterosexual couples or quick flings, and I’m in the market for a long-term relationship.
We’re in danger of falling into a trap where everything has to be about online — and while it’s fine to adopt this technology, we need to be careful it doesn’t become the only way we meet people.
I prefer to meet a date in person, and luckily I have a wide range of family and friends and an active social life. There are still good old-fashioned ways to find love.
When I walked in, Steve was already sipping a gin and tonic, and I knew quite quickly he wasn’t my usual type.
But he gave me a hug and we sat down — and then I don’t think we stopped talking for the rest of the night. We got on like a house on fire. I think I’ve finally met a man who can talk as much as me.
He had a great big smile and we talked about how hot it is at the moment, which was a good ice-breaker.
He was very complimentary about how young I looked for my age (I’m 50), which started things off on a good note.
We just about covered everything and put the world to rights. We have similar views, although I have no issue with people who see things differently to me — as long as they have thought it through. They just need to be able to defend their decisions and choices.
Steve is such an interesting, yet humble, guy. We covered relationships a little bit, but mostly discussed our lives and adventures. He’s originally from South Africa, and I’ve been there a few times, so that was great to talk about.
However, despite chatting away like two old friends, with no awkwardness, there just wasn’t any chemistry — and no flirty banter either.
The food was really good. We had a bottle of wine, shared some Japanese tapas and sushi and soaked up the amazing atmosphere there. I had chosen the restaurant because it has interactive iPad tables you can order food on, which meant we had something to do if we didn’t get on! But we never actually needed the distraction.
After the meal, we nipped across to another bar for a night- cap, but then I realised I only had 15 minutes to get my train, so we ran out to get me a taxi.
We swapped numbers and gave each other a hug. I’d say we’ll keep in touch. He’s a really good guy, but not the one for me. I just wish there had been more of a romantic spark.
The sauciest thing about the evening was my mad Benny Hilltype dash to try to catch my train at the end of the night. But I’m so glad I went on the blind date, it’s an important thing to do — even though it didn’t lead to anything.
LIKE: His personality and humility. REGRETS: None. CAB/COFFEE: Coffee. VERDICT: 9/10
STEVE, 39, SAYS:
THe dating scene is very much focused on quick meets and brief encounters, which I’m just not looking for. I want a loving relationship. Most of my male friends are straight, so meeting men is hard. I wouldn’t say I have a type … though I do probably prefer more masculine men.
Honestly though, I think that attraction is less important than a connection. Mostly I’ve fallen for previous partners because of their personalities, and by getting to know them over time. I use a lot of dating apps, but largely it’s a disaster. It’s the quirkiness in someone that makes you fall in love and that’s only going to come across face- to- face so, although I was apprehensive about going on my first blind date, I was pleased I would be meeting someone in person.
I arrived first, so I ordered a G&T and had a good look around. The restaurant was really impressive. I couldn’t actually see Chris properly when he walked in as it was dark, but he seemed very confident and relaxed.
There wasn’t an immediate spark of attraction, but there was definitely a spark between us in terms of personality.
We just fell immediately into a friendship. Chris is so interesting and smart — we even had similar political views, which is unusual. As we talked it became apparent that we are on the same page in a lot of ways.
He’s a thinker and a great conversationalist, so we talked all night long about books, careers, travels — everything really.
A lot of guys I’ve gone out with just talk about themselves, which can be pretty tiresome. But we both showed an interest in each other’s lives, which I think is why we resonated with each other.
Chris has done a lot of exciting and adventurous things, and we are both huge animal lovers.
The restaurant was incredible, and the food and staff were amazing. I was very impressed.
After the meal, we hopped over to a private club for another drink, and just kept chatting on and on. We lost complete track of time, and then suddenly Chris realised that it was time for his train, so we had to run like mad to get him a taxi.
We swapped numbers and have been in touch. He said he’d call next time he’s in London to meet up, and I’d like that.
I’m not sure if it will develop into anything, but I’d love to see him again.
Chris is a really kind and sincere person, and, I have to say, definitely a rare find.
LIKE: He’s kind and interesting, and a good person. REGRETS: None.
CAB/COFFEE: Coffee.
Finally, I’ve met a man who can talk as much as me! He’s a really kind and sincere person – a rare find