Mike, 54, Guildford
Occupation Musician and landlord
Voting record Generally an anti-Conservative tactical voter
Amuse bouche After school, Mike worked as a lab assistant at a university microbiology department. One of his jobs was to dispose of anthrax. “It seems bizarre now that a 17-year-old was allowed to do that”
Miriam, 29, London
Occupation Researcher, PhD student
Voting record Labour or Green
Amuse bouche Miriam once won a six-month supply of Hobnobs. “I was runner-up. If I’d won I would have got a year’s supply and £1,000. Brutal”
For starters
Mike I liked Miriam straight away. She came across as very intelligent. The age gap was only noticeable in so far as it was relevant to our discussion.
Miriam We realised we are both musicians, which was a nice way to break the ice. I have been a professional singer, though I haven’t picked it up since Covid.
Mike We went vegetarian. I had curried cauliflower and a lime tart. Very nice.
Miriam I had burrata, spring salad for a main and tarte tatin – all delicious.