Age is just a number but I do like younger women

have a laugh and joke around, in a nice friendly way. My ideal partner would be someone who is independent who enjoys travel, but is comfortable in their own skin as I am.

I see my kids a lot, which does put off some people, but they will grow up soon and I will probably become unfashionable to be around!

I think I am a young 41 in looks and attitude towards life. I’ve always seemed younger, so tend to attract, and be attracted to, women in their early to mid-30s, but I was more than happy to meet Victoria. In the end, age is just a number. I’m a bit of a fitness fanatic and love doing triathlons and half marathons, and I appreciate someone who takes care of themselves.

It was a great evening. The restaurant was amazing. I had a lobster/crab starter, then a ribeye steak and sticky toffee pudding, and my only regret was that I had to get a train back to Bristol as I would have definitely stayed on for another drink.

every so often I go on Tinder but it is all a bit false. I’ve never been on a blind date and it was certainly surprising how much I enjoyed meeting a total stranger over a meal for a couple of hours.

It was very relaxing and we chatted about everything, such as our kids and holidays. Victoria loves camping so she was trying to persuade me and I said I’d give it a try. I think we got on well. She’s not the typical kind of woman I would go for. I usually date younger ladies but we did have a good laugh.

We were eventually evicted from the restaurant as they were closing. I suddenly realised what time it was and had to run pretty smartish to get to the train so we didn’t get a chance to swap numbers.

The evening really gave me a boost in terms of dating.

It was certainly a lot better than Tinder as it’s a much better experience sitting down getting to know someone over a good meal than sending endless messages to nothing but a photo. LIKED: Her personality.

REGRETS: None — just the time limit. COFFEE OR CAB: Coffee. VERDICT: 8/10