Back from his travels in Scandinavia and with Valentine’s Day looming around the corner, 3rd year social and political science student Tom Wilkinson came to Vision asking for a hot date. We obliged sending him to the Latin bar and grill Bobo Lobo, with spicy 2nd year philosophy student Harriet Bailey. Was it a Chile reception or did they have a lot to taco ‘bout? Hopefully they’ll be Havana-other date, and he didn’t want tequila. Read on to find out if it was more un-Bolivia-ble or if it was better left Bogotàn?
Tom on Harriet
Hopes and fears before the date?
I had been practicing abrupt mid-conversation exits, compassed the quickest escape route back home and stowed a unsheathed single-edged machete cutlass blade in my crotch (just in case).
First impressions?
I noticed a blonde watching me enter the bar; she smiled, I winked back, she blew me a kiss, I pouted back, I started to walk towards her, she tossed her head back… I told this bar maid to behave. She obliged and pointed me towards Harriet.
What did you talk about?
The conversation flowed like the river Ouse does through town. We nattered about nothing and chatted about everything. I was much impressed with her knowledge of music, film and sports, but above all I was taken away by her astounding grasp of the blatantly obvious.
Best and worst things about the date?
I am not sure if she had eaten out at a fancy restaurant before but a little common courtesy costs nothing… cutlery is there to be used, woman. On the plus side, the occasional touching of our feet under the table was a bit of a turn on. I liked the way we both pretended it was accidental.
What did you have to eat?
I am still in a state of disbelief. It was more than a blind date; it was nothing short of a party in the mouth that Harriet and I were invited to. I would like to see anyone attempt to stop me from returning to Bobo Lobo. I got the steak, accompanied by salad and chips. Portion size was excellent. For dessert it was sticky toffee pudding, on par with my Grandma Jack’s.
How did it end?
Frankly she went in for the kill. I pushed her back and was unsure whether to reach down to my crotch and grab my unsheathed machete cutlass. Thank the lord, she quickly understood I was not a piece of meat. I told her my last name (that a faceyb add would be much appreciated).
Would you go back with her?
She asked me to go back with her to Vanbrugh jazz night. I suspected this was a euphemism for something dirtier and darker. She had plied me with alcohol but I managed to politely decline because I thought my housemates would be waiting up for me to make sure I was safe and sound (they were not).
Marks out of 10?
I would ;)
10
Harriet on Tom
Hopes and fears before the date?
I was hoping for a free meal and temporary Z-list BNOC status. I was fearless.
First impressions?
He was good looking. Lots of grubby middle aged men had been walking past and I was worried that one of them might be the date. (I accidentally got there a bit early because I’m a keeno).
What did you talk about?
Underwater telephone wires, Queen’s ‘I Want To Break Free’ music video and record players.
Best and worst things about the date?
The best thing was the chat. Also he ate the rest of the meal that I couldn’t finish, so that was a bonus for the prevention of food waste. The worst thing was that I didn’t fancy him and am now in the grips of eternal spinsterdom.
What did you have to eat?
I had The Italian Job burger because it had Michael Caine in the description. It was a beef burger with prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella and pesto, served in a ciabatta roll. It was delicious and came with chips. For pudding I had a chocolate melt: also yummy. The staff were friendly and attentive and I would head back to Bobo Lobo, even if just for the cocktails.
How did it end?
We hugged and agreed to swap records.
Would you go back with him?
Unfortunately not. But I would recommend him to other people. I would happily wingwoman him any day.
Marks out of 10?
8.75 out of 10. It was probably the best date I’ve been on, but I can’t give him 10 because I didn’t fancy him and 9 makes me seem sycophantic.
Blind date was kindly sponsored by Bobo Lobo, 5 Littlestone Gate, York, YO1 8AX. We recommend ordering mojitos, a selection of their tapas dishes and staying for their Latin beats.