In reply to nikoid:
If you end up looking at new taps then I'd suggest steering clear of Bristan: I bought one to replace a kitchen mixer and the water continued to run for a short while after turning off or, if the flow stopped straightaway as expected, water seemed to be retained in the spout and would run out as soon as the spout was swivelled. This seemed be a common complaint with Bristan, it's even on their website FAQs/comments and they don't seem to see it as a problem. I returned the tap to Plumb Center and the manager phoned Bristan who said that 'it's normal, all taps do it' or some similar waffle.
The other problem with Bristan is that they have invented some 'quick fit' design instead of the standard thread/nut/washer affair and it did not seem as secure or any easier to use than the standard method.
I ended up with a 'Lamorna' brand tap. This is Howdens house-brand, it's been fitted for a few years now and is still working well. It may be worth buying a couple of ceramic cartridges along with the tap to save having to hunt them down later.
Peglers are another brand that I have used am happy with. They still make the old-style taps (with washers and jumpers etc) that can be repaired. I think they are (mostly, maybe all) made in the UK.
Let us know how you go on.