All of Beer: Blind date: ‘He said I reminded him of Eddie Redmayne, but he was drinking very strong beer’

Sunday 24 December 2017

Did Ben and Joe hit it off over a curry?

Ben on Joe

What were you hoping for?
Once Id determined he wasnt the grumpy-looking fellow, I was happy.

First impressions?
Wonderfully manicured nails, good dress sense and sparky conversation.

What did you talk about?
The pros and cons of Tunbridge Wells, Donald Trump, Marianne Faithfull and Stevie Nicks.

Any awkward moments?
I brought up politics and religion in the first 10 minutes.

Good table manners?
We both used our fingers, and that was fine.

Best thing about Joe?
His easy conversation and open-mindedness.

Would you introduce him to your friends?
Shed be absolutely delighted to meet him.

Describe him in three words
Open, authentic, creative.

What do you think he made of you?
He said I reminded him of Eddie Redmayne, but he was drinking very strong beer.

Did you go on somewhere?
To a pub.

And… did you kiss?
I planted a smacker on his cheek.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
My vegetarianism: the prawns he had as a main looked delicious.

Marks out of 10?
8.

Would you meet again?
Sure.

What were you hoping for?
A nice evening out meeting someone new.

First impressions?
Fun and really chatty.

What did you talk about?
Politics, art, 1990s culture.

Any awkward moments?
When we realised the waiter was dressed like a colonial man from the days of the Raj.

Good table manners?
Very good, and open to the sharing of food, which is a plus.

Best thing about Ben?
Very engaging and interested.

Would you introduce him to your friends?
Yes, hed get on with them.

Describe him in three words
Bright, energetic, witty.

What do you think he made of you?
That Im the classic creative student muddling through.

Did you go on somewhere?
For another drink in a pub round the corner.

And… did you kiss?
Just a farewell hug.

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

Marks out of 10?
7.

Would you meet again?
Probably only as friends.

Ben and Joe ate at Calcutta Street, London W1.