Blind date: ‘She suggested cycling back together – a lovely, unexpected ending’

Leanne on Josh

What were you hoping for?
To meet a lovely Guardian reader for a fun evening. To not want to leave before the starters arrived. To not feel mortified reading his review of my rusty dating skills.

First impressions?
I was thrilled that Josh wasn’t engrossed in his phone when I arrived. He was warm, friendly and made a slightly surreal situation comfortable.

What did you talk about?
Belize. Smartphones. Work. Festivals. Not being natural campers. London cycling. Tattoos.

Most awkward moments?
I was probably a bit eager to find out more about him. I hope this was seen as curiosity rather than interrogation.

Good table manners?
We were too busy talking to notice. But we shared a dessert.

Best thing about Josh?
He lives his values and cultural interests, and this gives him a really positive energy.

Would you introduce Josh to your friends?
He’d get on with most people, and my friends are awesome, so it would work.

Describe Josh in three words.
Creative, driven, friendly.

What do you think Josh made of you?
I think it was positive? Sweary, cycling, child-free London lover?

Did you go on somewhere?
He kindly walked me to my bike.

And ... did you kiss?
No.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Nothing, I had a really enjoyable time: great food at one of my favourite restaurants, with fabulous and interesting company.

Marks out of 10?
A very strong 8.

Would you meet again?
We agreed a second date as I was typing this :)

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 blind.date@theguardian.com

Josh on Leanne

What were you hoping for?
To meet someone great via a public-facing, possibly romantic, social experiment … and enjoy a free meal.

First impressions?
Cute, cool tattoos, possibly more extroverted and communicative than I am, which is brilliant!

What did you talk about?
So many things. We’ve both travelled around Belize and Mexico recently. Our love of music festivals. How we aren’t glued to our smartphones like most people.

Most awkward moment?
An initial few seconds of nervousness.

Good table manners?
Our personalities are such that we aren’t shy about sharing our food, or opinions!

Best thing about Leanne?
She’s an excellent communicator, very considerate and articulate.

Would you introduce Leanne to your friends?
I would. They’d think she is quite the character.

Describe Leanne in three words.
Quirky, talkative, charismatic.

What do you think Leanne made of you?
That I’m social, passionate about the arts – and have a cool job.

Did you go on somewhere?
No.

And ... did you kiss?
A gentleman never tells, but we didn’t.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
I might have cycled there. Leanne suggested cycling back to east London together, which would’ve been a lovely, unexpected ending.

Marks out of 10?
8.

Would you meet again?
We plan to.

Josh and Leanne ate at Mildreds Soho, London W1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com