There is a miracle cure for all minor ailments and matters of the heart which seems to hold great sway with our gentle nation.

Pop the kettle on and have a cup of char.

The therapeutic properties of Britain's favourite non-alcoholic tipple may not have any medical weight but for some reason a mug of something hot can do wonders for your self-esteem.

But you would never dream of wearing an evening gown or tux with trainers, so why is it that we still brew our exotic mango and honey or green tea infusions in a rusty old contraption which looks like a hang-over from your grannie's war-time parlour?

Marks & Spencer Home, with stock in shops throughout the country, including one in the Broadwalk shopping centre, Edgware, has a range of intriguing appliances to bring tea-making into the Nineties. But beware, some of them may not look out of place on the set of Star Trek.

Traditionalists will no doubt warm to the cordless traditional kettle and jug kettle. Each one has a permanent filter which can be removed for cleaning and a free-standing base. Their clean, curved contours will undoubtedly have a calming effect on any kitchen.

For a high-tech version on an old theme, Marks & Spencer's cordless stainless steel kettle has an angular futuristic line which will certainly make for a refreshing refreshment break. Whichever one you go for, remember not to look at the leaves afterwards, or you could find yourself fretting about a whole new kettle of fish. To order phone 0345 902 902.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.