Blind date: ‘The restaurant staff reacted with glee when told them we were going on somewhere’

Niamh on Harry

What were you hoping for?
A pub quiz partner who is witty, well dressed and preferably Irish. It’s where my family is from originally and my mum’s dream is for me to settle down back over there.

First impressions?
“I knew it was going to be you!” I’d clocked him as I walked up to the restaurant. Well dressed, not Irish. Nice tattoos.

What did you talk about?
Having quickly established that we are both from the same part of London, we ascertained that we’d had the same driving instructor as teenagers (shoutout to Ollie). We also talked about recent plays we’ve seen, our tattoos and their meanings, trainspotting (the actual activity) and the fact I’ve been reading this column religiously since I was seven.

Most awkward moment?
The restaurant staff reacting with glee when (spoiler) we told them we were going on somewhere, swiftly followed by me attempting to make a hasty escape through some curtains that were sewn together.

Good table manners?
He did a very good job of tackling the sharing plates.

Best thing about Harry?
His openness, and his ability to ask questions.

Would you introduce Harry to your friends?
They were pestering me for a voice-note lowdown before the date had even finished – I’m not sure he’d be ready for the chaos.

Describe Harry in three words
Active backseat participant (you had to be there).

What do you think Harry made of you?
He very kindly absorbed all of my yapping and even made it feel like a real conversation, so I hope not a wall of sound.

Did you go on somewhere?
To a Scottish pub.

And … did you kiss?
I’ll let Harry answer that one.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I’d have made the last train and not have had to Uber back to west London.

Marks out of 10?
8.5

Would you meet again?
Well, he has my number …

Niamh and Harry on their date

Harry on Niamh

What were you hoping for?
Good conversation over good food.

First impressions?
Great leopard-print top, lovely smile, nice hair.

What did you talk about?
Her time in Paris. The difficulties of performing Irish plays in China. Our appreciation for Baltic countries.

Most awkward moment?
We arrived at the same time and there was a bit of an “are you, aren’t you?” vibe while we were waiting to be shown to our table.

Good table manners?
Flawless, she was a great sharer.

Best thing about Niamh?
She’s got a strong creative streak, which I really admire.

Would you introduce Niamh to your friends?
For sure.

Describe Niamh in three words
Compassionate, talented, adventurous.

What do you think Niamh made of you?
Probably that I seemed familiar. We’re both from similar backgrounds, and grew up in the same part of London

Did you go on somewhere?
To a pub by the station that I have a bit of a soft spot for.

And … did you kiss?
Yeah! Why not?

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
A slightly bigger table to fit all the food we ordered.

Marks out of 10?
8. Niamh was excellent company.

Would you meet again?
We exchanged numbers, but I think it would be as friends.

Niamh and Harry ate at Bubala, London N1. Fancy a blind date? Email [email protected]