Shopping: Shop Talk

IS THE pen mightier than the sword? Most definitely if the pen happens to be a solid gold, diamond-encrusted fountain pen and costs pounds 85,000. Don't let The Pen Shop's prices scare you however, because Europe's largest pen chain will be perfectly happy to sell you a cheap and cheerful ball-point. With more than 50 years' experience, the shop now has a range of nearly 2,000 pens, so give up that chewed-up Biro.

The Pen Shop, 199 Regent St, London W1R, 0171-734 4088

Tim Stein