Blind date: ‘We spoke about baking cakes at altitude’

Chris on Helly



What were you hoping for?

An out-of-the-ordinary evening, which it was.

First impressions?

Very warm and friendly.

What did you talk about?

Baking cakes at altitude and whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu’s hand.

Any awkward moments?

Helly finding whitebait in her vegetarian meal.

Good table manners?

Didn’t notice either way.

Best thing about Helly?

Conversation was easy and we found things to laugh about.

Would you introduce her to your friends?

Sure.

Describe her in three words

Warm, happy, fun.

What do you think she made of you?

Hopefully warm, happy, fun.

Did you go on somewhere?

Yes, Victoria station for her train home.

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And... did you kiss?

A cheek peck.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?

The Circle line being on time would have made it an easier journey.

Marks out of 10?

8.

Would you meet again?

I’d be happy to meet next time Helly is in London.

Helly on Chris



What were you hoping for?

Ryan Gosling. Or Reynolds.

First impressions?

Nervous, lovely smile, clean.

What did you talk about?

Himalayan railways, death in literature, tiny octopuses.

Any awkward moments?

When I ate a small fish. I could see fear in his eyes.

Good table manners?

He offered me his tomato salad after “the incident”.

Best thing about Chris?

Quirky as hell.

Would you introduce him to your friends?

Yes. He’d fit in perfectly.

Describe him in three words

Considerate, curious, creative.

What do you think he made of you?

Geographically challenged.

Did you go on somewhere?

Yes. We took a lovely tour through Notting Hill.

And... did you kiss?

We hugged goodbye.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?

Nothing.

Marks out of 10?

Strong 8.

Would you meet again?

Absolutely.

• Chris and Helly ate at Bucket Restaurant, London W2. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com. Looking to meet someone like-minded? Visit soulmates.theguardian.com