Julia on Dean What were you hoping for? If not the love of my life, then at least a couple of good anecdotes. First impressions? Tall! Easy to chat to and equally as curious about how the Guardian’s matchmaking works. What did you talk about? Creative careers. Holidaying vs travelling. Family. Climate dread. His chocolate addiction and screenwriting ventures. Any awkward moments? When he said he wasn’t drinking due to an extended dry Jan and I was halfway through a glass of wine. Good table manners? Definitely. He was keen to share lots of food and even let me take home our barely drunk bottle of wine. Best thing about Dean? He was interested in lots of things, so we had plenty to talk about. Would you introduce him to your friends? Most of them. Describe Dean in three words? Tall, interesting, easygoing. What do you think he made of you? Hard to tell – he didn’t ask a lot of questions so I felt like the one doing all the interrogating. Although he did look disappointed when I said Dune was an average film … Did you go on somewhere? Nope. And … did you kiss? No. If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be? I think Dean would have liked a drink, because he looked lovingly at, and sniffed, my glass of wine. Marks out of 10? 7. Would you meet again? I don’t think the vibe was there, but sure, everyone deserves a second chance. Dean on Julia What were you hoping for? The love of my life. First impressions? I wasn’t attracted to her and knew that wouldn’t change, so I decided to enjoy the meal and conversation instead. What did you talk about? The workings of Guardian Blind Date. Galleries. Julia’s cheesemaking. She asked a lot of questions, which made me conscious that the conversation was a little one-way at times, but she seemed genuinely interested in my life as a freelancer. Any awkward moments? We both struggled to work out the menu. Good table manners? I was too busy shovelling food in my mouth to notice any glaring faux pas. Best thing about Julia? Easygoing. She seemed like quite a sweet person and knew how to keep the conversation flowing. Would you introduce her to your friends? It wouldn’t get that far, I’m afraid. Describe Julia in three words? Open, unassuming, polite. What do you think she made of you? It had been a long day and she said I perked up when dessert arrived, so maybe I was a tad lacklustre. Did you go on somewhere? No, we walked together to the tube. And … did you kiss? No. I think it was clear from the off that there was no chemistry. If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be? A more suitable match. Marks out of 10? 6. Would you meet again? I wouldn’t.