Alfie on Sam
What were you hoping for?
To meet a silly softie with a penchant for the occasional deep chat.
First impressions?
Great smile and lovely energy. We got seated at separate tables, so there were a few awkward glances until the manager figured out we were on a Blind date.
What did you talk about?
American versus British-isms (you say trunk, we say boot etc). Politics. Our ins and outs for 2026.
Most awkward moment?
I told Sam about a horrific date in which I almost drowned in Hampstead Heath ponds. I thought it was a funny story, but he seemed more concerned than amused.
Good table manners?
Sam’s were excellent. Mine diabolical.
Best thing about Sam?
I love that his mantra for 2026 is saying yes more, and also very cool that he’s relocated to London for a fresh start.
Would you introduce Sam to your friends?
For sure. He was great fun.
Q&AFancy a blind date?
Show
Blind date is Saturday’s dating column: every week, two
strangers are paired up for dinner and drinks, and then spill the beans
to us, answering a set of questions. This runs, with a photograph we
take of each dater before the date, in Saturday magazine (in the
UK) and online at theguardian.com every Saturday. It’s been running since 2009 – you can read all about how we put it together here.
What questions will I be asked?
We
ask about age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests and the type of
person you are looking to meet. If you do not think these questions
cover everything you would like to know, tell us what’s on your mind.
Can I choose who I match with?
No,
it’s a blind date! But we do ask you a bit about your interests,
preferences, etc – the more you tell us, the better the match is likely
to be.
Can I pick the photograph?
No, but don’t worry: we’ll choose the nicest ones.
What personal details will appear?
Your first name, job and age.
How should I answer?
Honestly
but respectfully. Be mindful of how it will read to your date, and that
Blind date reaches a large audience, in print and online.
Will I see the other person’s answers?
No. We may edit yours and theirs for a range of reasons, including length, and we may ask you for more details.
Will you find me The One?
We’ll try! Marriage! Babies!
Can I do it in my home town?
Only if it’s in the UK. Many of our applicants live in London, but we would love to hear from people living elsewhere.
How to apply
Email blind.date@theguardian.com
Describe Sam in three words
Confident, fun, irreverent.
What do you think Sam made of you?
I do tend to yap, and I could sense him zoning out at times. But he did say I had a great personality.
Did you go on somewhere?
I would have, but a fog descended, making it hard to see what was still open, and Sam had to rush off.
And … did you kiss?
No, but two hugs and a follow on Instagram.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I wouldn’t change much.
Marks out of 10?
A solid 7.
Would you meet again?
There wasn’t a romantic vibe there for me, but absolutely as friends.
Sam on Alfie
What were you hoping for?
To be surprised and to surprise myself.
First impressions?
Bubbly and outgoing. Tall. Great smile. Punctual (which is an A+ in my book).
What did you talk about?
Dating horror stories. Trash TV. Questions we dislike being asked on dates (me: hobbies, him: music). The travails of one’s 20s. The beauty of one’s 30s.
Most awkward moment?
It’s only as awkward as you let it be.
Good table manners?
They far surpassed my unrefined American dining skills.
Best thing about Alfie?
Incredibly warm and engaging. He also asks great questions – an underappreciated skill.
Would you introduce Alfie to your friends?
100%.
Describe Alfie in three words
Energetic, funny, curious.
What do you think Alfie made of you?
Hopefully he found me funny. But then again, looks aren’t everything.
Did you go on somewhere?
To the station.
And … did you kiss?
We exchanged Instas, which among gay men is close to the same thing.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I should have read the menu ahead of time.
Marks out of 10?
8/10. The date itself was great, but I think we both got the friend vibe early on.
Would you meet again?
Definitely.
Sam and Alfie ate at Nora, London, E22. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
