DELUXE dating
‘We both have similar attitudes to life’ HE SAYS:
It’as
date!
Forget Tinder. We’re going back to basics – two total strangers, one classic blind date. This month: Jessica and Richard
SHE SAYS:
Jessica Berrisford, 30, project manager The look I’m going for is my staple ‘Saturday night out’ dress – navy with little bows on it, with black patent heels and a gold clutch. On first glance: Richard was well groomed, clean shaven (most of the men I date have serious stubble), nice leather jacket and jeans. He’d definitely made an effort. The chat: It flowed. We covered everything from travelling (we’ve both quit jobs to go away) to fancy-dress parties (turns out we both love them). We also chatted about fitness, as I’m doing a triathlon and he works for a health club. I totally checked out his bod. He clearly works out, a lot. Any awkwardness? I was a bit nervous at first – I’ve never gone on a 100 per cent total blind date before – but, ultimately, it was a fun thing, and I think he agreed. Despite there being a third person with us (the barman, who was giving us a cocktail tasting), it felt really natural.
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Any flirting? We were tactile. It was raining when we left the bar, so I put my arm in his to share my umbrella, but nothing too outrageous. In three words: Hard-working, charming, decent. Do you think there was a spark? Not really – we both felt really relaxed and comfortable in each other’s company, but I think that’s as far as it went, on both sides. How did you leave it? We live near each other, and my gym’s across the road from his, so we agreed to try and meet up if we find ourselves in the local pub.
The extras Where: Reverend JW Simpson, 32 Goodge Street, London W1; revjw simpson.com The vibe: Intimate, Prohibitionstyle cocktail lounge To drink: A variety of whisky, vodka and gin-based cocktails; East 8 Spritz; Three Wise Men; Penicillin; Gardener’s Tea Break To eat: A small bowl of Bombay Mix
Richard D’Silva, 36, sales manager Did you dress to impress? I have to wear a suit every day to work, so when I go out I’m a bit more casual. I wore grey jeans, black polo top, black leather jacket and boots. My friends call me Fifty Shades of Grey, as everything in my wardrobe is either grey, black or white. What did you notice first about Jessica? She was wearing a lovely blue dress; it made me think I should have made a bit more of an effort. She struck me as a really nice girl and I had a feeling we’d have a fun evening. How did you break the ice? Before we had a drink we had to get our pictures taken, so I clowned around a bit in front of the camera. It made her laugh. Did the conversation flow? It seemed effortless, and it helped that we had a cocktail demo, as it meant we avoided the usual small talk. We both have similar attitudes to life – that there’s more to it than just work. And I confessed my penchant for fancy dress; I’ve been known to turn up to a girl’s house the morning after a date dressed as a Christmas tree. In three words: Bubbly, genuine, full of character. Was there any chemistry? I didn’t feel any. I think we both felt it was more like friends catching up, rather than a romantic evening. She’s a very attractive girl, but I’m extremely fussy when it comes to women. I like tall girls who wear monochrome.
WORDS BY LAURA MILLAR. PHOTOGRAPHS BY KATIE HYAMS
‘I totally checked out his bod. He clearly works out, a lot’
Will Jessica (left) and Richard (right) click over cocktails, or part as just good friends?