Blind date: ‘Numbers have been exchanged and dates have been suggested’

Ursula, 29, an events coordinator, meets Culann, 34, a charity worker

Ursula on Culann

What were you hoping for?
To meet someone fun, maybe a bit of romance.

First impressions?
Warm and friendly. Excellent sweater vest. Excellent name, too.

What did you talk about?
The Bridget Jones films (1, 2, 3 and 4). The trials and tribulations of being a 13-year-old. What we’d tell our colleagues about our evening. Books that I buy my stepdad. Pulp. Scissor Sisters. Our actual sisters. At what point is a toastie a pie. Garibaldi biscuits and their origins in Bermondsey.

Most awkward moment?
Maybe all the times I tried to speak with my mouth full, but honestly, he didn’t mind at all.

Good table manners?
We agreed to share everything and order as much as we could on the Guardian’s dime.

Best thing about Culann?
He’s great to chat to, incredibly understanding and indulged in all my tangents and theories. I know that’s not one thing, but I feel they all go together.

Would you introduce Culann to your friends?
Yes, I expect I’d be jealous about how well they’d get on.

Describe Culann in three words.
An absolute delight.

What do you think he made of you?
I got a giggle out of him a few times, so I’m gassed about that.

Did you go on somewhere?
Yes.

And … did you kiss?
Yes.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Only to hang out south of the river – no offence to north London.

Marks out of 10?
10.

Would you meet again?
We’re planning to!

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

Culann on Ursula

What were you hoping for?
A fun return to dating, something to give my friends to talk about and, hopefully, someone I’d see again.

First impressions?
Wow! Very attractive and very punctual.

What did you talk about?
How old we were when our parents split up. Working with politicians. Festivals and gigs. Not being good swimmers.

Most awkward moment?
We were so engrossed we forgot to take the selfie, so I asked our lovely waiter to take a photo as we were leaving.

Good table manners?
We shared everything and she managed the beetroot a lot better than I did.

Best thing about Ursula?
Hard to pick one, but maybe her sense of humour. Also, how much she loves south London. And her hair.

Would you introduce Ursula to your friends?
Absolutely.

Describe Ursula in three words.
Gorgeous, funny and chatty.

What do you think Ursula made of you?
I can only hope she found me as nice to spend time with as I did her.

Did you go on somewhere?
We had a couple of drinks at a pub around the corner.

And … did you kiss?
We had a nice evening.

If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
No notes.

Marks out of 10?
A coy 9.

Would you meet again?
Numbers have been exchanged and dates have been suggested.

Ursula and Culann ate at Oui Madame, London N1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com