In this week's Blind Date column, Colman, 31, a lawyer, and Ben, 28, an assistant stage manager, met for dinner and drinks at the Bull and Last in London NW5. The pair shared their experiences, revealing an easy-going and engaging evening that earned a solid 9 out of 10 marks from both.
Colman on Ben
Colman arrived early, hoping for brown eyes, decent chat, and at least a good story. He was pleased to find Ben punctual and dressed in a surprisingly similar outfit. Their conversation flowed naturally, covering topics from the best and worst shows they had seen to the Australian outback, the seven oak trees of Sevenoaks, Blarney Castle, standup comedy, coming out, and celebrities they had encountered. There was no awkward moment; the date was easy from the start. Ben's table manners were exceptional, and he kindly topped up Colman's glass while being lovely to a dog that wandered over. Colman described Ben as warm, chatty, and genuinely interested in what he had to say. When asked if he would introduce Ben to his friends, Colman joked that he might have to if Ben ends up coming to his gay run club. They were intrigued to discover they had no mutual followers on Instagram. Colman summed Ben up in three words: easy-going, engaging, mischievous. He believed Ben saw him as open, affable, and inquisitive, and was happy to hear Ben called him quick-witted. After the meal, they stayed for coffee and tea, lingering until Ben had to leave for work. Colman travelled with him, which felt like a nice way to end the evening. They hugged goodbye on the train. If he could change one thing, Colman wished Ben did not have to go to work, as they would have happily gone for a drink. He rated the date 9 out of 10 and confirmed they plan to meet again when he returns from holidays.
Ben on Colman
Ben hoped for a decent story for office chat and was immediately struck by Colman's eyelash envy. Their conversation ranged from Barry's Tea to Joanne McNally and how they would fare during a zombie apocalypse. The only minor awkwardness came from the intermittent noise of a train they later took. Ben praised Colman's table manners with a chef's kiss emoji and described his best quality as his joie de vivre and ability to see the funny side of everything. He would happily introduce Colman to his friends, noting he would 'slot right in.' Ben described Colman in three words (technically four): 'Vibes all the way.' He thought Colman saw him as convivial, though he admitted to having a sweaty forehead for the first half-hour. They did not go on elsewhere as Ben had to work, and there was no kiss. Ben would not change anything about the evening except that work was calling. He gave a solid 9 out of 10 and confirmed they plan to meet again, adding, 'Stay tuned, divas.'
How It Works
Blind date is Saturday's dating column, where two strangers are paired for dinner and drinks and then answer questions. It has been running since 2009, with photos taken before the date. Participants are asked about age, location, occupation, hobbies, and preferences to help match them. Answers are edited for length and clarity. The column appears in Saturday magazine and online at theguardian.com every Saturday. To apply, email blind.date@theguardian.com.
