Blind date

I am sure a lot of girls would fall at his feet... When Lucy said she had a child – I was taken aback

Every week, we send a couple on a blind date. This time Will Moore dined at Tozi in London’s victoria with Lucy Taylor. Will is a Pr account manager from North London. Lucy is a City PA who’s currently a full-time mum and lives in Wimbledon, South-West London. Both are aged 30.

LUCY SAYS:

WILL is definitely someone I could introduce to my mum — she would love him.

He’s very outgoing and easy to chat to so it didn’t surprise me when he mentioned he goes out on quite a few dates. I’m sure that a lot of girls would fall at Will’s feet, but while we had lots in common, I wasn’t attracted to him.

In the past I always used to go for darkhaired guys. Today I’m not fussy about looks. I’ve learnt over the years that focusing on physical attraction isn’t a good idea, and personality is the most important trait in a guy. My pet hate is pretentious men who feel the need to show off.

But I haven’t dated anyone seriously since splitting up with my daughter’s father just after she was born. She’s now 18 months old, and while it’s been difficult adjusting to being a single parent, we’re in a good place.

Dating is much harder with a young child. My mum was encouraging about the blind date, telling me to ‘go for it!’.

She even offered to babysit, otherwise going out on a Saturday night would have been difficult.

Having been at home with a baby for quite a while, I really enjoyed the preparation and pampering beforehand as much as the date itself. It was a treat for me! I wore a loose, stripey top with a pair of shorts and heels.

The first five minutes of the date were a bit awkward as we were strangers, but I soon felt at ease. A glass of Prosecco helped!

The restaurant was lovely. We chose a selection of Italian sharing plates. WILL made a good first impression. He was dressed smartly in a classic style. I liked that he had made an effort with what he was wearing, he definitely exceeded my expectations.

The fact that there was no spark didn’t detract from the lovely evening we had. It was a win-win — great company and fabulous food.

It was a real treat to spend an evening with such a nice guy. I don’t get out much and it was a wonderful Saturday night.

If I had to find fault with Will it’s that he didn’t know anything about wine!

Will is lovely, yet the romantic element just wasn’t there for us.

I’m not convinced there’s a perfect person or soulmate somewhere out there for me — I think you have to take life as it comes. But do I believe in instant attraction and I didn’t feel it.

So, what sort of man am I looking for?

I would prefer to be approached by a guy as I’m a shy person. And I think it would probably be easier to date men who are also fathers. They understand the time constraints you have to work with, and what’s involved in being a parent.

Will is a great catch, though, and I did take his number. I

WILL SAYS:

would introduce him to any of my single girlfriends in a heartbeat! LIKED? His company. REGRETS? None. COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee. Verdict: 8/10 I WAS nervous before the date — who wouldn’t be?

A colleague put my name forward so everyone in the office knew about it. There’s also the added pressure of the fact that my younger brother and I are the only ones in my family who are still single, so I feel an impetus to find someone.

Mum is always asking me if I’m seeing anyone, and I think she is keen for me to settle down.

I arrived at the restaurant deliberately early, I didn’t want my date to have to wait on her own at the bar.

My first impression of Lucy was that she is pretty girl. She was wearing a lovely outfit that really suited her. She has a nice open smile, which lights up her face.

At the start we were both nervous, but after a drink each the conversation felt really natural. We’re very similar in fact — we’re both close to our families and share the same outlook.

The first thing she told me, though, was that she has a young daughter. I was taken aback a bit. I’ve never been on a date with someone who has a child before.

I’ve had two long-term relationships. The first when I was 18 until mid-way through university. She was my first love, and broke up with me. We did get back together a few times but I think family and friends were relieved when I broke it off the final time.

In my mid-20s I dated a fantastic French girl while I was working in Australia — it fizzled out, but we are still friends.

For the past four years I’ve been mostly single, although I did have one rather on/off relationship.

My evening with Lucy was brilliant. The restaurant was amazing — perfect for a date.

The worst date I’ve ever been on was with a girl I had been messaging. She was funny and interesting but started ordering shots, then told me she’d had so much to drink on her previous date she’d been ill. That’s really not the sort of experience I’m interested in.

While my university friends haven’t settled down yet, my childhood companions back in Hampshire have — I envy them.

I go home every few months and love seeing them with their children. At times it makes me broody! I like the idea of becoming a dad. But I’m not at that stage of my life just yet.

I wouldn’t rule out dating someone who is already a mum but although Lucy is undeniably stunning there wasn’t an obvious attraction or spark between us.

I’d definitely see her again as friends though. She’s going back to work soon and I was telling her about charity initiatives I’ve worked on that support women to become bosses.

I may not have gained a girlfriend, but may have found a friend. We were incredibly relaxed in one another’s company and laughed a lot. A great evening. LIKED: The laughter. REGRETS: None at all. COFFEE OR CAB: Coffee.

Verdict: 8/10 Interviews: SAMANTHA BRICK