What were you hoping for?
Reciprocated love at first sight (I don’t ask for much in this life). To meet a kindred spirit who might even become a partner.

First impressions?
We were both incredibly early, but caught the other’s eye and smiled. It was a nice moment.

What did you talk about?
Andy Burnham. Elvis Costello. Dogs. U3A groups. Trains to Italy. The deficiencies of dating apps. The pointlessness of shyness in later life.

Most awkward moment?
There weren’t any. Carol sent her G&T flying, but that was just funny, not awkward.

Good table manners?
Of course.

Best thing about Carol?
She’s fun to be with!

Would you introduce Carol to your friends?
Oh yes, they’d like her.

Describe Carol in three words
Warm, accomplished, quirky (I loved the little streak of pink in her hair).

What do you think Carol made of you?
I really don’t know, I’m not good at reading people. She seemed to like me, but I’ve been wrong about this kind of thing before.

Did you go on somewhere?
We linked arms until the parting of the ways.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
I wouldn’t change a thing.

And … did you kiss?
Not really, just a peck-on-the-cheek plus a hug.

Marks out of 10?
9.

Would you meet again?
Yes.

What were you hoping for?
An enjoyable evening, a tasty meal and great conversation. Someone to take a genuine interest in me as an individual.

First impressions?
He was smartly dressed, and had a kind face and a welcoming manner.

What did you talk about?
What life looks like as we get older. Our different careers. Ian McKellen – he who can do no wrong in my view.

Most awkward moment?
There were a few tiny missteps, but we took them in our stride.

Good table manners?
Excellent. Philip checked if I would be OK if he ordered steak tartare as a starter, and he was happy for me to share his salad.

Best thing about Philip?
Interesting and good conversationalist.

Would you introduce Philip to your friends?
I have a wide range of friends and he’d easily get along with some of them.

Describe Philip in three words
Confident, curious, interesting.

What do you think Philip made of you?
I’d be happy with “easy to talk to”.

Did you go on somewhere?
No. Engineering works on my train line limited options.

And … did you kiss?
No.

If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
Not sure I would change anything.

Marks out of 10?
8.

Would you meet again?
We’ve swapped numbers.

Philip and Carol ate at Eataly London, EC2. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com