ALISHA, 26

Single for five years.

DATING PAST?

I’ve pretty much been single for ever, apart from dating people briefly over the years. I’m a hopeful romantic though, and dream that the right guy will come along soon . . . I’ve been waiting a long time!

PRE-DATE NERVES?

The idea of a blind date is strange, but it’s also freeing to have no expectations or preconceived ideas about what the other person will be like, as you do with dating apps.

Alisha, 26, is a team leader in the car industry. Single for five years, she’s looking for someone charming, funny and ambitious who is a hard worker

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

He was very loud — far more so than the other diners around us — and energetic. He is clearly up for a laugh. He’s good-looking, too. I liked how well-dressed he was in a smart beige top. We had a quick, friendly hug when I arrived.

EASY TO TALK TO?

He definitely isn’t shy and conversation was easy with no awkward silences. I enjoyed it.

I was impressed to find out he is a fan of musical theatre, which I didn’t expect. We had some fun banter and easy conversation. But he drank a lot of beers, both on the date and during the hour-and-a-half we spent on the same train home.

He completely failed to ‘read the room’ when in a smart restaurant. It would have been good to see him a little less wild!

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

Every other word was a swear word and he kept joking with the waiters, which they didn’t seem to be used to. Swearing doesn’t bother me but it was cringeworthy in that setting.

However, I wasn’t sure if it was just his personality, so I didn’t say anything in case I offended him.

DID SPARKS FLY?

It was a lovely date with free-flowing conversation and plenty of laughs, but there was no spark in a romantic sense. It’s hard to explain why — we just didn’t click in that way. It possibly didn’t help that he fell asleep on my shoulder on the train home.

Alisha wasn’t impressed with Ryan’s swearing, but she enjoyed the date with free-flowing conversation and lots of laughs 

WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET AGAIN?

Not in a romantic way, but he is a real character and such good fun. Having said that, we swapped contact details but haven’t messaged since, so I don’t think meeting up is on the cards.

WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?

He was saying complimentary things on the date, such as that I looked lovely and we should meet up again.

WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HIM?

I think they’d see that he’s a friendly guy but a bit too much of an extrovert for me.

RYAN, 27

Single for five months.

DATING PAST?

I HAVE had a few partners but only three longer relationships. I recently broke up with my ex after three years and feel ready to meet someone new.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

Not really. I was more excited than nervous.

Ryan, 27, is a music industry events and marketing manager. Single for five months, he’s looking for someone who is excited about life 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

When she walked in, I thought she looked bonny and naturally beautiful. She was warm and approachable, with a great smile. I am charismatic and energetic and I hoped she would be, too.

EASY TO TALK TO?

The conversation was light-hearted, but we did have serious moments when we talked about how it was growing up — how things used to be before mobiles.

I entertained her with funny stories of growing up in the North. Amazingly, we both went to the same university in Northampton. I enjoy having a few beers when I’m out so I was in good spirits. But she gave as good as she got in terms of banter.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

Falling asleep on her on the way home was pretty embarrassing, but you have to laugh about these things.

DID SPARKS FLY?

I am naturally flirty but I bounce off the other person’s energy and when I didn’t sense Alisha was flirting, I held back. We caught the same train home and chatted all the way, apart from when I fell asleep. I walked her to her car and gave her a peck on the cheek.

I found her on Instagram later and she followed me back, so it can’t have been a complete disaster.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET HER AGAIN? 

Yes, but probably not in a romantic capacity, although I’d be interested to see if there was any flirtation on a second date.

I complimented her on her looks, as she is easy on the eye. I wasn’t too disappointed that she didn’t reciprocate, as we got on so well.

While Ryan would like to meet up with Alisha again, he doesn’t think it would be in a romantic capacity. That said, he’d be curious to see if there was any flirtation on a second date 

WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?

Hopefully she thought I was a nice lad — outgoing and funny. I’ve had dates where the conversation goes flat but Alisha and I talked all evening.

WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HER?

She would fit in 100 per cent. We have the same interests. She has a book club and I love reading. However, she doesn’t drink much and I like a beer!

ALISHA’S VERDICT: 7/10

LIKED? He is easy to talk to and good-looking.

REGRETS? None.

COFFEE OR CAB? Cab.

RYAN’S VERDICT: 8/10

LIKED? She’s engaging, open and easy on the eye.

REGRETS? None at all.

COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.