Alfie on Sam
What were you hoping for?
To meet a silly softie with a penchant for the occasional deep chat.
First impressions?
Great smile and lovely energy. We got seated at separate tables, so there were a few awkward glances until the manager figured out we were on a Blind date.
What did you talk about?
American versus British-isms (you say trunk, we say boot etc). Politics. Our ins and outs for 2026.
Most awkward moment?
I told Sam about a horrific date in which I almost drowned in Hampstead Heath ponds. I thought it was a funny story, but he seemed more concerned than amused.
Good table manners?
Sam’s were excellent. Mine diabolical.
Best thing about Sam?
I love that his mantra for 2026 is saying yes more, and also very cool that he’s relocated to London for a fresh start.
Would you introduce Sam to your friends?
For sure. He was great fun.
Describe Sam in three words
Confident, fun, irreverent.
What do you think Sam made of you?
I do tend to yap, and I could sense him zoning out at times. But he did say I had a great personality.
Did you go on somewhere?
I would have, but a fog descended, making it hard to see what was still open, and Sam had to rush off.
And ... did you kiss?
No, but two hugs and a follow on Instagram.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I wouldn’t change much.
Marks out of 10?
A solid 7.
Would you meet again?
There wasn’t a romantic vibe there for me, but absolutely as friends.
Sam on Alfie
What were you hoping for?
To be surprised and to surprise myself.
First impressions?
Bubbly and outgoing. Tall. Great smile. Punctual (which is an A+ in my book).
What did you talk about?
Dating horror stories. Trash TV. Questions we dislike being asked on dates (me: hobbies, him: music). The travails of one’s 20s. The beauty of one’s 30s.
Most awkward moment?
It’s only as awkward as you let it be.
Good table manners?
They far surpassed my unrefined American dining skills.
Best thing about Alfie?
Incredibly warm and engaging. He also asks great questions – an underappreciated skill.
Would you introduce Alfie to your friends?
100%.
Describe Alfie in three words
Energetic, funny, curious.
What do you think Alfie made of you?
Hopefully he found me funny. But then again, looks aren’t everything.
Did you go on somewhere?
To the station.
And … did you kiss?
We exchanged Instas, which among gay men is close to the same thing.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
I should have read the menu ahead of time.
Marks out of 10?
8/10. The date itself was great, but I think we both got the friend vibe early on.
Would you meet again?
Definitely.
Sam and Alfie ate at Nora, London, E22. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
