Tapas, Revels and a splash of martini drama – Imogen and Sam share a night of cheerful conversation and quirky charm, but did romance make the menu?
In this edition of the Blind Date series, The Guardian introduced Imogen, 31, a commissioning editor from east London, and Sam, 28, a teaching assistant from Maidenhead. Though coming from opposite ends of the capital, the two met halfway for what turned out to be an entertaining evening full of storytelling, spirited exchanges – and a surprising take on first impressions.
Imogen on Sam:
Imogen had one goal going in: “Not to have met him before, but to want to meet him again.” And she very nearly got her wish. But first, she had to process something bold: “A mullet is always going to make a strong first impression – and I’m a bit of a mullet-phobe!”
Despite the unconventional hairstyle, she found Sam “warm off the bat” and said his great smile helped ease her nerves, especially after arriving a little frazzled due to getting lost on the way to the restaurant.
Their conversation hit the perfect mix of the personal and the playful — from moving countries and career shifts, to World Book Day outfits and how to pick the perfect melon. But it was Sam’s quirky icebreaker that caught her off-guard: a packet of Revels, which he handed over as a blind-date metaphor — “you don’t know what you’re going to get.” Imogen was charmed, if a little embarrassed she hadn’t brought something in return.
She praised his “great conversation” and light-heartedness, qualities she attributed to his daily work with children. “Thoughtful, cheerful and spontaneous” were her three words to describe him, and she confidently said she’d introduce him to her friends.
While the evening didn’t end with fireworks, it did linger — they finished a second bottle of wine and were the last to leave the restaurant. There was no kiss, just a warm hug goodbye outside the station. If Imogen could change one thing? “A more local match — he’s Maidenhead, I’m east London.”
Marks out of 10: 8
Would she meet him again? “Sam was great company, but we’re in different places – quite literally.”
Sam on Imogen:
Sam entered the date with a simple hope: “A nice evening with good company and some tasty food. Bonus points for finding a life partner.”
Imogen’s confidence and creative flair stood out to him immediately — “Nice eyes, a creative type.” And the conversation confirmed it. They bonded over books, pets, travels, family, and festivals, painting a picture of two curious minds genuinely enjoying each other’s stories.
One hiccup? Sam’s dramatic martini moment: “I took a gulp and spat it back out. I forgot to sip it like a gentleman.” Still, Imogen seemed unfazed, and their shared tapas session continued without a hitch. “No disputes over the patatas bravas,” Sam noted approvingly.
He described her as “bubbly, pretty and intelligent” and said the best thing about her was the genuine interest she showed in his life. Though he rated the evening a solid 8, he admitted the romantic chemistry wasn’t quite there. “As friends at a gig, show or festival, sure — but not romantically. I think it was a mutual feeling.”
Marks out of 10: 8
Would he meet her again? Yes — but as friends.
The Verdict:
A date filled with charm, laughter, and tapas turned out to be more of a slow-burn friendship than a love-at-first-sight moment. From thoughtful snacks and mullet musings to martinis and misadventures, Imogen and Sam shared an evening that was memorable in its own right.
Romance may not have made the cut, but they both left the table with high marks and no regrets. Not every blind date leads to sparks — sometimes it just leads to good stories. And maybe a mutual gig, down the line.
