Beyond the cattle grid, laser maze and security fence, visitors to gadgetshop HQ are greeted by a solid metal door cased in a four metre reinforced concrete shell. Not the warmest of hellos, you might think. But necessary to keep prying eyes away from the indescribably complex gadgetry - in various states of disassembly - that lies within.

While we don't recommend placing razor wire or a pill-box at the entrance to your semi-d, there are other, more subtle ways of making a statement to your guests on arrival. And for a truly novel welcome to your abode, try greeting your guests with a reminder of what lies not far from their feet.

This authentic replica London manhole cover looks like the real thing and feels, we're glad to report, a touch more, well, rubbery than the real thing. Measuring a full 24" in diameter and manufactured from recycled truck tyres, it boasts the kind of durable nylon flocking that will withstand the action of your guests' high heels and trendy training shoes for years ahead.

From those oh-so-clever types at Feet First, these mats are chock full of their trademark visual puns, with superbly rendered graphic design. So much so that your chums will almost perform a double-take on your threshold... just what you need, in short, to break the ice. Super.