Two things..
1. If you don't want to go with Bulldog.. there are several other good ISP's I would consider (in no particular order):
Pipex (as already mentioned)
Plusnet
Zen
Metronet (only if you are a low user <-- may not be relevant to anyone here!)
Nildram
Freedom-2-Surf
NDO
www.aaisp.co.uk (esp if you are a techie)
www.hi-velocity.it (excellent customer service imv)
All depends on what services/price you want to pay but they all have a decent reputation
2. For a cheap ethernet router try the models Ebuyer sell as their own brand. There is a 1 port version (Quickfind code 48448) and a 4 port version (QuickFind code: 48449)
You would think that as they are cheap they would come with no support etc - actually they are Origo routers and come with full UK support, a user forum and firmare updates via
http://adsltech.com/ who are their UK distributers - I know several ppl who are using them quite happily
btw DrAwesome: you are right the Netgear DG834 is an ethernet modem