Blind date: ‘She’s always welcome in my pub quiz team’

Anya on Ben



What were you hoping for?

To meet a fun, open-minded person.

First impressions?

Mad. I asked what he had been up to and he said, “No, no no, we look at the menu first.”

What did you talk about?

Brexit, chips, my lazy eye, his numb foot.

Any awkward moments?

When I tried to show him my tattoo and ended up flashing half my bra.

Good table manners?

Yes – he let me try his burger and shared desserts. He ate the tail of my prawn; he said they were “nature’s crisps”.

Best thing about Ben?

He’s not afraid to question things.

Would you introduce him to your friends?

Yeah. I told him my friend does research into under-filled supermarket sandwiches, and he was really into it.

Describe him in three words

Fun, chatty, clever.

What do you think he made of you?

He said his face hurt from smiling, so I reckon he thought I was fun.

Did you go on somewhere?

We went for a couple of drinks in one of my favourite pubs nearby.

And... did you kiss?

Nope. We hugged goodbye twice, though.

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

That he had worried less about what I thought of him.

Marks out of 10?

9.

Would you meet again?

Yes, I had a really fun evening.

Ben on Anya



What were you hoping for?

A deep and special partnership.

First impressions?

Bold, vibrant hair and an unconventional fringe.

What did you talk about?

Whether I’m allowed to identify as a non-practising vegan; her inspiring school visit from Theresa May.

Any awkward moments?

A re-acquaintance at the bus stop having already parted ways, but we styled it out with another hug.

Good table manners?

It was a relaxed burger and sushi place.

Best thing about Anya?

Her correct stance on chips: chip-shop chips are a wholesome, considered life experience. McDonald’s fries are an impulsive, fleeting moment of lust.

Would you introduce her to your friends?

She’s always welcome in my pub quiz team.

Describe her in three words

Warm, free-spirited, creative.

What do you think she made of you?

I’m going for “cool, eloquent intellectual”.

Did you go on somewhere?

We knocked back 1.5 pints each in a Sam Smith’s.

And... did you kiss?

No.

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

She was reluctant to join me in building a cutlery-and-napkin sculpture.

Marks out of 10?

7.

Would you meet again?

A museum as friends would be lovely.

• Ben and Anya ate at Ichibuns, London W1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com. If you’re looking to meet someone like-minded, visit soulmates.theguardian.com