Every week, Femail asks two singletons to report back from their blind date.
Today, Pip and Ersin recount their lunch.
Read on to find out whether they had chemistry…
Pip, 36
Single for 18 months, no children
Dating past?
I had a serious relationship in my late 20s, followed by a year-long one in my early 30s, but I knew he wasn’t quite right for me. Since then, I’ve focused on going to dating events, like speed dating. I prefer them to the apps because I get to meet guys from all walks of life. But I’ve yet to meet my Mr Right at any of them.
Pip says she had a serious relationship in her late 20s, followed by a year-long one in her early 30s, but she knew he wasn’t quite right for her
Pre-date nerves?
A little bit. Ersin is ten years older than me. I don’t usually date men that much older but a good friend’s wonderful fiance is a decade older than her too. I’d taken this synchronicity as a positive sign.
First impressions?
Ersin greeted me with a handshake, which I found surprising as it’s a formal way to say hello on a date. I didn’t feel an immediate attraction to him, but he told me I looked lovely. Ersin was quick to mention his salt and pepper hair. Was that down to him being sensitive about our age gap?
Easy to talk to?
Yes, we’re both into running so we talked a lot about the different races we’ve signed up for. We both ordered a steak and I asked for chips with mine. Ersin teased me for doing so, reminding me that we were in a posh restaurant and ‘we’re not in a Nando’s, Pip’. I found his reaction amusing, but it’s 2026 – I’ll order chips if I want them!
Embarrassing moments?
We had a cocktail instead of dessert. I had a negroni and Ersin requested a chocolate orange martini. The waiter giggled at the order – clearly it’s usually the drink of choice for women. Unfortunately for Ersin, each time he took a sip he got the chocolate drizzle from the rim of the glass all over his face.
Did sparks fly?
No, he isn’t my type – sorry Ersin. I normally go for blonds and, while that hasn’t worked out well for me, I was still intrigued enough to give this a go.
See him again?
Not for another date, but we could bump into each other as we have mutual friends in the London running community. We’ve followed each other on Instagram.
What do you think he thought of you?
At the end of the date he made a comment about ‘waiting’ for the sparks to fly and I’m not sure what he meant by that – that’s men for you! They are so difficult to read.
Would your friends like him?
Yes. Ersin is one of life’s extroverts and good guys. He can start a conversation about anything – there isn’t anything to not like about him.
Pip says she prefers going to dating events, like speed dating compared to using dating apps because she gets to meet guys from all walks of life
Ersin, 46
Single for three years, no children.
Dating past?
Believe me I have tried to settle down, I’ve been engaged twice in my 20s and 30s. But, looking back, I was too young to settle down. Over the last decade I’ve taken time to properly work on myself, mentally, physically, and emotionally, and am now in a positive place where I am genuinely ready for the right partnership.
Ersin says he’s been engaged twice but, looking back, he was too young to settle down and has since taken time to work on himself mentally, physically and emotionally
Pre-date nerves?
No, I never get nervous. I’m used to working within teams of 80 people and keeping the group energy high and positive. In fact, people constantly tell me that I should do stand-up comedy.
First impressions?
Pip is slim – definitely my type – with an athletic figure. I wasn’t sure if I found her attractive, as you can only really tell that once you get an idea of someone’s sense of humour.
Easy to talk to?
Yes – we first spoke about our jobs and a lot about running – every time I tried to steer us onto another subject Pip brought the conversation back to races and training.
Embarrassing moments?
Two – at one point I took a sip from some water and it went down my shirt. At the end of our meal I had a sip from my cocktail and my face was framed with chocolate. Apparently I wore my cocktail as much as I drank it.
Did sparks fly?
No, we both knew we didn’t fancy one another. However, I haven’t been on a date for three years and it was good to remember that dating isn’t an ordeal and it’s important to put myself out there.
See her again?
Yes – but only if we bump into one another at the start of a race. Not to sound harsh, but I’ve got lots of friends and don’t need another one.
What do you think she thought of you?
I’d like to think she thought I was a funny, smartly dressed, confident (but not arrogant – it’s a fine line) guy.
Would your friends like her?
Yes – they’d think she’s a cool girl. Pip is hard-working and independent – the kind of woman I’d usually be attracted to.
Ersin says he thinks Pip is hard-working and independent, adding she is the kind of woman he is usually attracted to
