Will on Reece
What were you hoping for?
To meet a smart, fun, driven person.
First impressions?
Really positive. Here was someone with great style who cares about how they look; someone confident who has excellent moustache game.
What did you talk about?
All the cardinal sins of a first date: politics, exes and comparing mutuals on Instagram (a test for any gay man in London). Reece was super-engaging on everything from sustainability to his love of pretentious theatre.
Most awkward moment?
Very few – conversation flowed naturally. And the overlap of certain “acquaintances” on Instagram raised a few eyebrows and laughs.
Good table manners?
Excellent, although waiting to mention his dairy intolerance until I was tucking into a chocolate fondant wasn’t great timing.
Best thing about Reece?
His confidence and charisma.
Would you introduce Reece to your friends?
Absolutely. They’d get on well. He could have a conversation with anyone.
Describe Reece in three words
Charming, cheeky, charismatic.
What do you think Reece made of you?
I wouldn’t like to presume – hopefully he thought I wasn’t too awful.
Did you go on somewhere?
As we were in Soho, we went on for a bottle of wine (or two…) at a queer bar.
Q&A
Fancy a blind date?
Show
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 [email protected]
And… … did you kiss?
A real lady never kisses on date one.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
Getting thrown out of the bar we were drinking in (it was closing time).
Marks out of 10?
A really lovely evening: 9/10!
Would you meet again?
Definitely.
Reece on Will
What were you hoping for?
Good conversation and easy on the eye.
First impressions?
Tall, handsome, incredibly charming. My gran would love him!
What did you talk about?
Will leading his company’s LGBTQ+ network. Coming out. Politics. How EastEnders’ Christian and Syed were my gay awakening. Failed relationships.
Most awkward moment?
The gentleman that Will is stood up to greet me when I arrived. I went in for a hug instead of a handshake: 30 seconds I wish to forget.
Good table manners?
Aye, no notes from me.
Best thing about Will?
Himself! Great vibes. He seems to be living his most authentic life, and it was a delight to have a courtside seat.
Would you introduce Will to your friends?
Only after I’d sat my boys down and made them swear not to embarrass me.
Describe Will in three words
South London’s finest.
What do you think Will made of you?
I think he used the term “been round the block” to describe me.
Did you go on somewhere?
We went to a bar and sank two bottles of wine. We were queer men in Soho – it would have been boorish not to.
And… … did you kiss?
The only kiss I had was from the cold window of the number 8 bus I fell asleep against on the way home.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
Buying that second bottle of wine.
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
The jury is out, kids! I hope so.
Will and Reece ate at Louie, London WC2. Fancy a blind date? Email [email protected]
