Blind date: ‘We didn’t kiss but we exchanged Instas’
Alfie had hoped to meet a “silly softie” who enjoys the occasional deep chat, and Sam wanted to be surprised. Both noticed great smiles and lively energy; they were briefly seated at separate tables, which led to a few awkward glances until the manager realised they were on a blind date.
The conversation ranged from American versus British terms and politics to plans for 2026, with detours into dating horror stories, trash TV and the questions they dislike being asked on dates. Alfie’s most awkward moment came when he recounted nearly drowning in Hampstead Heath ponds, a story that left Sam more concerned than amused.
Table manners were commented on too: Sam’s were excellent, while Alfie described his own as diabolical. There was no kiss, but they exchanged Instas and shared hugs. A fog and Sam needing to rush off cut short any plans to go on elsewhere; Sam went to the station and Alfie said he would have stayed longer if not for the fog.
United Kingdom, Hampstead Heath