Blind date: ‘As Angela was heading to the powder room, she pointed to her mouth and said “kiss”’

Angela on Phil

What were you hoping for?
A fun, chatty evening with good vibes and no awkwardness.

First impressions?
A decent, calm, sweet man with lots of layers.

What did you talk about?
Everything. I asked him why he chose to go on a blind date. We talked about past relationships, too, but nothing deep or awkward. I felt very comfortable.

Most awkward moment?
Only when the lovely staff offered a bottle of wine which neither of us wanted.

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

Good table manners?
Definitely.

Best thing about Phil?
Phil has a lot of soul and he is easy to talk to. He smelt good, too.

Would you introduce Phil to your friends?
For sure, because he is nice and easygoing and has very soulful eyes.

Describe Phil in three words.
Gentle, sweet and unique.

What do you think Phil made of you?
I have no idea, but if I had to guess, I’d say confident, lively and sexy.

Did you go on somewhere?
No. Phil had to travel up to the Wirral after the date, so he didn’t want to miss the last train.

And … did you kiss?
We had a few polite kisses, but nothing more and that was enough. It felt right and comfortable.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
The opportunity to spend more time in his company – and to go out dancing after the dinner.

Marks out of 10?
10.

Would you meet again?
Yes. We laughed a lot. It would be great to go out with him again.

Phil on Angela

What were you hoping for?
All the cliches, plus the perfect mix of fun and serious chat.

First impressions?
Very attractive and a huge smile.

What did you talk about?
Mainly the food, but all kinds of things.

Most awkward moment?
Putting the waiter on the spot about the menu ingredients.

Good table manners?
Other than quizzing the waiter, it was pretty civilised.

Best thing about Angela?
Angela has a magnetic personality. She actually swapped socials with an American couple on the next table.

Would you introduce Angela to your friends?
Sure, she’s welcome to come and meet my friends.

Describe Angela in three words.
Outgoing, vivacious and passionate.

What do you think Angela made of you?
She probably thought I was quiet.

Did you go on somewhere?
Only to the station.

And … did you kiss?
Mid-meal, Angela excused herself to go to the powder room, walked past me, pointed to her mouth and said “kiss”. So, unexpectedly early – yes – and then when we said goodbye at the station.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
The food was the focus of the night – I think we could have connected more.

Marks out of 10?
A 10 being the perfect night, I’d give the night a 7. Angela was a fascinating person to sit opposite.

Would you meet again?
Angela is welcome in Liverpool any time.

Angela and Phil ate at Gunpowder Soho, London W1D. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com