No WhatsApping at the table! First Dates guru Fred Sirieix reveals his top tips for dating in London

First Dates maître’d Fred Sirieix is hailed as a “love guru”. His new book, First Dates: The Art Of Love, shows how to ensure you find that spark with someone new.

We met at El Pirata in Mayfair— a tapas bar which the TV star called London's most romantic restaurant – where he shared his advice on London dating.

The expert matchmaker said: “You need to know where to go in London to eat well.

“I would take a first date somewhere like this. You can have two or three small plates and if it all goes pear shaped you can say ‘thank you’ and leave. If it goes well you can have more than ten dishes!”

But he believes the most crucial thing is confidence.

“The most important thing is to be confident, to just be you,” he said. “It’s about how you feel inside - if you’re happy with you it won’t worry you if someone makes you feel bad, because you accept yourself.”

The 44-year-old’s other number one rule is not whatsapping at the table. He said: “Do not use your phone. The point of being on a date is to get to know someone - if you don’t give them your full attention it is not going to work.”

His own worst date? “I’ve never been on a bad date,” he said. “Dates are lovely, you’re meeting someone new, looking into their eyes and searching for an answer. You don’t know what they think of you, it’s fun.”

The long-time chef says it is his years listening to and observing people that has honed his skill.

“In my profession you live so many lives through the lives of others. It gives you a wider outlook on things.

“I’m no love guru, I’m just a guy. I just give my opinion.”

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