Blind date

‘I always check for a good head of hair’

‘I’ma fraid the typical Instagram look is not for me’

EVERY week, we send a couple on a blind date and ask them to report back. This time, Lewis raymond Taylor, 28, had dinner with Millie Cox, 25, at Gaucho Tower Bridge in London.

Lewis is a business and mindset coach who lives in aldgate, East London, while Millie is a hairdresser and lives in Tonbridge, Kent. Neither of them has been married.

MILLIE, 25, SAYS:

I’ve been single for two years and, like my friends, I use the dating app Tinder to try to meet people. But it’s so hit-and-miss it’s disheartening.

Guys are often nothing like their online profile. Even though I wouldn’t walk out on a date, there have been times when I’ve had to steel myself to get through it.

One seemed so suitable on paper. We shared a love of fitness and I thought we’d have lots in common. But he had a highpitched laugh, which was so off-putting.

My family say that I have ‘form’ for picking the wrong men. and, yes, my head is turned by good looks — guilty as charged!

When I first spotted Lewis, my reaction was: ‘Wow!’ I could see he’d made an effort, wearing a shirt with a smart blazer. He’s a good-looking guy. Physical appearance is important to me. I’m a hairdresser, so I always check for a good head of hair and nice teeth — a great smile is everything.

Immediately, I was offered a glass of champagne, which was a lovely touch. Lewis doesn’t drink, so he abstained.

LEWIS

is incredibly passionate about his work. He liked to talk ( and talk!) about his vision for his online business. Would he have room in his life for romance? I do wonder.

Even so, he put me at ease. He’s kind and sensible, which makes a change.

The restaurant was the perfect setting. I started with an avocado and mozzarella salad, while he had the tuna ceviche.

We then both had steak, which was incredible, followed by a delicious chocolate ganache.

I’m a bubbly person who adores life and I come alive with guys who make me laugh. I am on Instagram and I was impressed Lewis has almost 9,000 followers.

I also like to keep in shape. But I steer clear of the guys at the gym. They have incredible bodies,

but they know it and get lots of attention from the opposite sex. I’m looking for commitment, rather than a fling.

My first serious relationship lasted for three years. I ended it because I wanted my freedom.

Now I’d really like to find someone who I can cuddle up with on the sofa and watch Netflix. LIKED? My date’s company and the restaurant. REGRETS? I’m clumsy and spilt some food down myself — Lewis saw the real me!

COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.

Verdict: 7/10 LEWIS, 28, SAYS:

Even though I’d never been on a blind date, I wasn’t nervous, as I’m open to new experiences. I’d love to find ‘The One’ to share my life with. When I first saw Millie, I could appreciate that she is pretty, but, to me, she’s a typical ‘Instagram girl’.

I don’t want to sound harsh, because it’s a desirable look for many women in their 20s, but the Louis vuitton bag, make-up, plump lips and over-styled hair just aren’t for me.

Millie is a nice, sweet person. But her idea of being a good conversationalist isn’t the same as mine. Everything Millie said caused my eyes to glaze over. She isn’t someone who knows what she wants out of life — yet. She’s not very self-aware of who she is or where she is going.

When she explained that she usually goes for the wrong guys, I jumped on this as an opportunity to explore her relationship patterns with her. I knew I’d have a psychological perspective that could explain why she made such choices.

But, instead, Millie seemed to zone out. Every time I said something interesting, her reply was: ‘Oh, what?’

In the past, I’ve had a threeyear relationship and then one for 18 months where we lived together. But I’ve been single for the past two years while I focus on my new company.

I help people create a solid mindset, which allows them to launch an online business.

Like most people my age, I’ve tried dating apps. But women don’t engage in genuine conversation online, so it’s hard to be sure someone is authentic.

You get the impression that they’re firing off lots of generic messages to guys to see which one sticks. They don’t want a profound connection: we’re living in incredibly superficial times.

MY SOCIAL circle is pretty dynamic. I’m part of the digital nomad world, which means entrepreneurs of my generation are constantly travelling — and some are into open relationships.

Not being committed or tied down to one person or location is undeniably attractive. But I haven’t pursued it, because I wouldn’t like anyone I was with to practise such a lifestyle.

Sometimes I can be very serious, and other times very childish. I’m mercurial. My ideal woman would look like Emilia Clarke from Game Of Thrones, but would be quite endearing and homely.

I don’t want to be with someone loud and out-there. But I couldn’t be with someone shy, either. I’m a talker. So I’d love to meet a great conversationalist who knows when to dial it down.

Like most men, I want to be with a woman who is naturally beautiful — not someone who overdoes it with cosmetics. The ‘girl-next-door’ look is best.

I work hard. I have a huge vision for the future and hope I can find someone to share that with. I’d love the chance to come out of my shell a bit — I was a bit rigid on this date.

The food was lovely, so the evening wasn’t a complete waste of time. But, while I’d meet Millie as a friend, she isn’t the person I’d want to share my life with. LIKED? The incredible restaurant. REGRETS? I wish I’d got the chance to show who I really am. COFFEE OR CAB? Cab.

Verdict: 5/10

Interviews: SAMANTHA BRICK