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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
International Cupid: Sarah Hooper

Blind Date goes to Amsterdam: ‘I’d seen her before – it’s a very small place’

Blind daters Cooper (left) and Daisy
Cooper (left) and Daisy. Photograph: Judith Jockel/The Guardian
Blind dater Daisy

Daisy on Cooper


What were you hoping for?

A lovely lad with a bit of banter, and a dining experience chez Graham’s Kitchen.

First impressions?
The first impression was actually a second impression: turns out we’d met before through a mutual friend. I couldn’t remember exactly when, but probably about four years back, or at least two prime-ministerial resignations ago.

What did you talk about?
All the usual stuff: work, holidays, festivals, hobbies, dogs. But we also talked about the restaurant’s intriguing mural and the famous Graham – who was he, and how did he end up in the kitchen?

Any awkward moments?
Not awkward, but it was funny when we first spotted each other and realised we’d met before.

Good table manners?
Despite not knowing what to do with the napkin, I would say good. Excellent command of cutlery and appropriate use of fingers, when needed.

What did you order?
Graham pulled out all the stops with a tasting menu and a wine pairing.

Best thing about Cooper?
His eyes, and cheeky giggle.

Would you introduce him to your friends?
If he introduced me to his guy gang (very sacred), I’d consider it.

Describe Cooper in three words
Easy-going but driven, and cute.

What do you think he made of you?
Not sure! But I’d be interested to find out.

Did you go on somewhere?
To a bar, for a beer or two.

And … did you kiss?
Nope.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
Nothing.

Marks out of 10?
8.

Would you meet again?
Yes, maybe in a more casual setting.

Blind daters Daisy (left) and Cooper in a selfie
Daisy and Cooper on their date Photograph: Image supplied by reader
Blind dater Cooper

Cooper on Daisy


What were you hoping for?

I was hoping it would be a fun night. I’d never been on a blind date before, so wasn’t sure what to expect.

First impressions?
That I had seen Daisy out in Amsterdam before – I didn’t remember where or when, though. It’s a very small place. Apart from that, she was easy to chat to and was looking really good.

What did you talk about?
Festivals. Summer holiday plans. Suspension bridges. Our work, and her side gig as a dog walker. The beautiful mural on the wall of the restaurant.

Any awkward moments?
I didn’t realise until the end of the meal that I was supposed to put the napkin on my lap – I noticed after looking at everyone else in the restaurant. It felt a bit awkward.

Good table manners?
Great.

What did you order?
We had a set menu that the chef recommended, really interesting dishes. I enjoyed them all, even the smoked eel mousse – I wasn’t expecting to love that.

Best thing about Daisy?
Her sense of humour: I think it was pretty similar to mine.

Would you introduce her to your friends?
Sure, it turns out that she already knows some of my friends, so I wouldn’t have a problem with that.

Describe Daisy in three words
Smart, funny, genuine.

What do you think she made of you?
Enjoys a party, hopefully funny and good company. It’s hard to tell!

Did you go on somewhere?
We went to a bar close by for a couple of beers. I had work early the next morning so had to wrap it up quickly, unfortunately.

And … did you kiss?
We didn’t.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
I’d probably have liked to have chef Graham tell us about his mural in the restaurant.

Marks out of 10?
8.5.

Would you meet again?
Yeah, sure, I think so.

Daisy and Cooper ate at Graham’s Kitchen, Amsterdam. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com

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