Blind date: 'Her one dating request was "no one in finance". I work in finance'

Yusuf hoped for someone interesting, good conversation and a fun story — he likes a random side quest. Her smile and a lively northern accent stood out; she seemed confident and excited.

They talked about her Hackney half marathon and her stated rule of “not in finance”, which was awkward because Yusuf works in finance. Hannah also guessed he could be dyslexic within five minutes, and both agreed the table manners were fine.

Hannah had low expectations after her sister made her apply, but found Yusuf really nice and friendly. Their conversation ranged from jobs and family to solo travel and bank-holiday plans; she felt comfortable straight away and said he was easy to chat to.

They ate at the Bull & Last in London NW5 and stayed nearly four hours, did not go on afterwards and did not kiss. Yusuf gave the evening a 7 and Hannah an 8; both said they would meet again, probably as friends.

United Kingdom, London NW5

blind date, finance, hackney half, bull &, london nw5, northern accent, dyslexic, solo travel, bank holiday, table manners