I got a pen and paper from the bar and drew her

DATING PAST

After being married for 13 years, I got divorced three years ago. It was amicable, but we were not in sync. I’ve had another relationship since, but that didn’t go too well.

It is hard to date in London — bars are fine for finding short-term flings, but I’d like to meet someone with a compatible intellect.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

I’m used to meeting people at exhibitions. I like to dress up; I’m known for being rather flamboyant (think Oscar Wilde), but that doesn’t mean I don’t get nervous.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

SHONA was wearing black culottes with a leopard-print top and kitten heels. she’s jolly with a fantastic sense of humour. I found her good-looking and bubbly.

EASY TO TALK TO?

We had three bottles of wine over seven hours and were the last ones to leave the bar. We had croquettes with an aperitif first, and then ordered a fish platter to share.

the drawing was a spur-of-themoment gesture. I got a pen and paper from the bar as I didn’t have my brushes and ink with me. I promised to do one of her at a later date, as I wasn’t too happy with it, but I did sign it for her.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

NO, none.

DID SPARKS FLY?

SHONA’s fun to be with, but I don’t want to be too revealing about my feelings for her. she is rooted in business and might find my artistic temperament overpowering. I loved her scottish sense of humour, but I want to be with someone who is right for me.

DID YOU KISS?

As I’d got us settled cosily on the sofa we got quite close. not only did we pose for selfies, we also had some cuddles and kisses. I don’t think she’d normally do that on a first date. I think it was spontaneous for both of us.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?

We Covered a lot of ground, but I know I need to keep my options open. I suspect she has some reservations about me and I appreciate that you can’t form an opinion about someone on a first date.

WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HER?

she’d get on well with my mum, because of her sense of humour.