What could be more stressful than the prospect of a date with a complete stranger? Each week, we pair two readers who have never met before and hope that love blossoms, with widely varying results. But it’s clear that luck sometimes favors the brave… because not even we could have predicted how well this week’s brave couple would get along. Read the full story of their blind date below.
Ellie, 39 years old.
VITAL STATISTICS
Single for six months, without children (I would like them!)
CURRENT ROLE
Business owner, public relations agency.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET
A tall, attractive, kind and animal-loving person who would like to start a family.
Ellie, 39, says Bartley immediately put her at ease at the start of their blind date.
APPOINTMENT PAST
I got divorced after seven years with my husband in 2017. I then met someone in 2020, but we separated last November. I just turned 39 and I really want to have children. My biological clock is ticking faster and faster! So although I would like to have love and a family, I will go ahead and have children on my own if I have to. Mom says I’m scaring men by talking about it, but I need to be open and honest from the start.
NERVES BEFORE THE DATE?
Yes, I get a little nervous before any first date, especially when I have lunch with a complete stranger. This was terrifying.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
I saw Bartley at our table right away because he seemed a little nervous. He smiled and stood up to greet me, giving me a kiss on the cheek. He’s a little taller than me (I’m 5’10 and he’s 6′), plus he had a warm smile and made good eye contact. He immediately calmed me down.
EASY TO TALK TO?
Yes, we covered past relationships and talked about wanting children. While Bartley is open-minded and hopes to be a father, I made it clear that I am determined to be a mother. We laughed a lot and got along so well that after eating we decided to go somewhere else. Although I had a friend waiting, she was happy to retreat while Bartley showed me all the sights of London. We walked along the South Bank and then took a boat to Woolwich, where Bartley lives.
Ellie and Bartley walked along the South Bank and then took a boat to Greenwich.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
I spilled my drink and some of it landed on Bartley’s shoes, but he didn’t care. What a gentleman!
DID SPARKS FLY?
Yes, definitely. It’s comforting that Bartley is a real adult and easy on the eyes. Because we spent ten hours together (even though it didn’t feel like it), we easily fell into holding hands. A woman who saw us walking down the street even stopped to tell us how cute we were as a couple. We spent the afternoon listening to live music and, yes, we may have shared a kiss at the end. The best things can really happen when you step out of your comfort zone.
SEE IT AGAIN?
Yes. After a drink at the local pub in Bartley, I was put on the last train to my friend’s house. He asked me for my number and I gave it to him. We are in touch and Bartley hopes to visit him over the May Day bank holiday.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?
I think he really likes me. I explained that I am in the middle of launching a mental health and suicide prevention community interest company to help people. This is one reason I am very passionate about having lost my father to suicide when I was four years old. Bartley was very complimentary about it.
WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE IT?
Absolutely. It has good sense of humor. My friends would like it to make me smile. I’m still smiling from our fun weekend.
ELLIE VERDICT: 10/10
APPRECIATED? Bartley reassured me.
REGRETS? None at all.
COFFEE OR TAXI? Coffee.
Bartley, 47 years old
VITAL STATISTICS
Single for four years. Childless. A dog.
CURRENT ROLE
MD for an educational company that supports disadvantaged children.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET
Someone kind-hearted and caring, who loves dogs and appreciates the simple pleasures in life.
Bartley, 47, says Ellie had a huge smile and seemed like a positive, happy person.
APPOINTMENT PAST
I’ve always been in long-term relationships. I was with my last partner for five years, but our separation coincided with Covid and it was hard. Since then, I have gone on several dates and made valuable friendships, but they were missing a deeper connection.
NERVES BEFORE THE DATE?
Not really, I approached the appointment with an open mind.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
Very positive. Ellie walked in, looking stunning in a pale pink dress that matched my shirt. She had a huge smile, she seemed as happy to see me as I was and she seemed like a positive and happy person. I greeted her with a hug and a kiss and let her decide where she wanted to sit.
EASY TO TALK TO?
Yes, we both joked that the other seemed normal and asked why we decided to go on a blind date. Ellie has some good northern jokes, but she also has a lot of depth. She is attractive, she has good values and is passionate about the causes and people in her life. Ellie is one of those people who makes you feel better just by being around her. We both recognize that when building a relationship, you have to work hard.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
We had a spontaneous encounter with a lady who told us she thought we were such an attractive couple and said Ellie was beautiful. We had to explain that we had just met and that we were going on a blind date.
Ellie and Bartley pose in front of Big Ben while taking in the views of London after lunch.
DID SPARKS FLY?
Yes. I’m surprised Ellie is single. Beauty is one thing, but when you scratch the surface, she is very inspiring. We laughed a lot and there was definitely chemistry between us. We kissed? Yes, all good first dates end with a kiss.
SEE HER AGAIN?
Of course! She invited me to a gig in Leeds in a few weeks and I have tickets for another one in London that I invited her to.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?
I’d like to think Ellie found me funny and attractive; She seemed to enjoy the date. We have messaged several times since then.
WOULD YOUR FRIENDS LIKE IT?
Yes, Ellie has an infectious personality. She is witty and fun. My friends and family have the same self-deprecating humor, so Ellie would fit right in.
BARTLEY VERDICT: 10/10
APPRECIATED? Ellie: She is the complete package.
REGRETS? No, not now!
COFFEE OR TAXI? Coffee.
Interviews: SAMANTHA BRICK
