The following conversation took place last Thursday evening, just for fun, at our local, The Faraday Cage: "Evening gents, what'll it be?" "Ah... evening Gavin, I think I'll have a pint of Lapsang Souchong and my friend Simon here will have his usual; a pint of your finest Colombian Roast. That's a decaff, mind. And, eh, have one yourself while you're at it." Whereupon my colleagues were instantly barred. Although we don't recommend taking the serious Michael out of your friendly neighbourhood landlord, we've often speculated on simply how wonderful it would be to have a pint of tea in your hand. Now, with the modest exception of 68 of your metric mls, that dream can be made real. The 'pint' mug looks like a pint glass, taking its cue from the classic 'dimple mug' of old. It feels like a pint glass, possessing both weight and substance.

But instead of foaming Anglo-Australian lager, it's designed to hold a whole half litre of steaming, warm brown Anglo-Indian tea. A 'pint' of tea or coffee promises to be a substantial drink. A man's drink for a man's spreadsheet. Imagine early morning refreshment, followed swiftly by an early morning trip to the gents. Imagine the thought of all that tea. No more 7 trips to the kitchen for you. Just one massive two-bag trip, as you drain the kettle in a single go. Magic.