Blind date: ‘She friend-zoned me over text before the night was through’

Alex on Rachel

What were you hoping for?
A good plotline, a fun evening and the chance of a connection.

First impressions?
She looked glamorous but seemed a bit nervous. I felt a bit underdressed in the fancy hotel – she told me she’d changed outfit when she saw how nice the place was.

What did you talk about?
Soul music, ACL [anterior cruciate ligament] injuries, academic misconduct, techno, star signs (ours were incompatible).

Most awkward moment?
When we said we were with the Guardian the waiter thought we meant we were with our legal guardian.

Good table manners?
Excellent.

Best thing about Rachel?
She was a great listener and super curious.

Would you introduce Rachel to your friends?
For sure.

Describe Rachel in three words
Kind, curious and intelligent.

What do you think Rachel made of you?
She said the main thing she was looking for was someone who wasn’t a dick. And she said I wasn’t, so that’s a win, I guess?

Did you go on somewhere?
Only from the hotel restaurant to the hotel bar.

And … did you kiss?
We did not – we had two hugs. She’d friend-zoned me over text before the night was through!

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Ideally the date would have been at the weekend – the free cocktails made for a rough time at work the next day.

Marks out of 10?
8.

Would you meet again?
As friends.

Alex and Rachel on their date

Rachel on Alex

What were you hoping for?
A fun change from the monotony of dating apps … and hopefully a plus-one for wedding season.

First impressions?
His confidence immediately put me at ease – and the flowing locks, of course.

What did you talk about?
Growing up in the East Midlands, what we’re reading, the takeover of AI … Alex even checked our star sign compatibility, although it was not very favourable so we quickly moved on.

Most awkward moment?
When the waiter poured our wine he asked if Alex wanted to down his in one – neither of us knew if it was a joke.

Good table manners?
Of course – no faults.

Best thing about Alex?
He is so easy to talk to.

Would you introduce Alex to your friends?
Yes.

Describe Alex in three words
Charismatic, intelligent and authentic.

What do you think Alex made of you?
Someone who is overly paranoid about getting something stuck in their teeth – and hopefully good company.

Did you go on somewhere?
We had a couple of cocktails.

Did you kiss?
Nope.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I’d have preferred a more flirty vibe.

Marks out of 10?
7.5.

Would you meet again?
Yes, but as friends.

Alex and Rachel ate at The Parlour, Great Scotland Yard Hotel, London SW1. Fancy a blind date? Email [email protected]