Table for Two | ‘I had no idea he’d been on Big Brother – I hope I didn’t offend him!’

Sam (left)Age:

20

Occupation: Teaching Assistant

Mario (right)

Age: 34

Occupation: Membership and Events Manager

Why did you decide to go on a blind date?

Mario: I haven’t been on a blind date in over ten years and I thought ‘why not?’ I like dating and meeting new guys and there was the extra element of not knowing who was going to walk through that door! Plus wherever there’s free booze I’m always likely to be there!

Sam: I saw the advert on Twitter and I thought it would be a laugh. Always up for a free meal!

What were your first impressions?

M: My first impression was ‘Thank the moon and stars he’s here!’ There’s always that worry that you are going to be stood up. If that had happened, I was going to have to eat both our meals! As soon as I saw Sam, I thought, he’s tall which I like in a man. Sam also looks like he could be the son the Dr Who actor Christopher Ecclestone!

S: I loved what he was wearing. I’d deliberately toned down the way I normally dress and I immediately regretted it. On any other day we would have both looked like members of Lady Gaga’s entourage.

How was the conversation and what did you talk about?

M: Well we broke the ice by talking about our accents. Mine is a Frankenstein’s monster of about five different accents and his was a mix too so we had a good laugh about it. I know one of the topics you should never talk about is politics and religion but we actually spoke about both at length and they were both very interesting and engaging conversations. Sam is highly intelligent and it was lovely to meet a man who could hold his own across a many different topics. We then also talked about how we both loved Madonna – clichéd I know!

S: We talked about all sorts, I always get told off for talking about politics and religion on dates but he really seemed interested and had loads to say.

Any awkward moments?

M: The only awkward moment for me was when he told me he was 20 years old! I’m 34 so I felt like his dad on occasion.

S: Well! He did say I reminded him of Christopher Ecclestone because of my ears. He did clarify that he meant a younger, hotter Christopher Ecclestone, but I still would have preferred David Tennant. I also had no idea that he had been on Big Brother because I only watch the celebrity version, so I hope I didn’t offend him!

How was the food?

M: The food was fantastic. I had the poshest ham and pea soup in existence and the pork shoulder was divine! I couldn’t finish all 3 courses as I was so full but they were fantastic. The service was brilliant as well. Both our waiters were extremely friendly and attentive to our needs. I would definitely eat their again.

S: Really good. I normally just go to Nando’s or Gourmet Burger Kitchen, so it was nice to go somewhere a bit fancier. I had the venison carpaccio for starter, a rib eye steak for the main and a chocolate mousse for dessert. All the dishes were really well prepared and I would definitely recommend the restaurant.

Snog, marry, avoid?

M: Ahh this is the horrible part! To be honest none of the above. Sam is a lovely, sweet and intelligent young man but I think the age is an issue. I like my men to be my own age or preferably older! In 10 years I would definitely marry him!

S: Probably a bit early for marriage, but I did have a good time so I wouldn’t avoid him. I think I’ll have to go with a snog.

Would your mum like him?

M: Yes my mum would look love to pinch his cheeks and give him a big hug. He is definitely the kind of boy you could take home to your mum! (unlike me lol).

S: She loves most of the gay men she meets so I think so. She’d definitely love to hear about what it’s like living in the Big Brother house. 

Will you see each other again?

M: Yes, definitely! We’ve exchanged numbers and when he moves to London in the autumn to begin his University course we will meet up for a few drinks and catch up.

S: We’ve exchanged numbers and followed each other on Twitter so I guess we’ll have to see how it goes.

How would you rate your date?

M: 8/10. A delightful wonderful young man with a cheeky smile 😉

S: 7/10

Sam and Mario dined at Avenue Restaurant, 7-9 St James’s St, London.

If you’re in London and would like to go on a blind date for Attitude’s Table For Two, email chris.godfrey@attitude.co.uk.

More stories:
Exclusive | Watch the first UK trailer for romantic gay drama ‘Holding the Man’
Beyoncé’s Lemonade: ‘Artist laid bare or a master of marketing at work?’