I've been finding Caffè Nero to be a solid, consistent option outside the UK. I also like the way that they work with RSC, Tate Modern and Tate Britain, and many other local and national arts organisations.

And now to shame the company featured in this thread. I've found myself at least a dozen times in a location in North America where the only option for coffee was Starbucks, and each time they've failed to make one of the most simple drinks for any coffee house - a Caffè Macchiato. Usually when I order a double, I am asked 'what size?' Er, there is no 'size' like tall, grande etc. And then usually it comes in a very large cup, topped with caramel sauce, or whipped cream, or filled with milk. I usually order it as it is listed on the Starbucks website - espresso macchiato. Then I explain that I want two shots of espresso, marked with foam. (Milk is more common elsewhere but if I ask for that, it tends to come in a very large cup)

When I hand it back and ask again for a caffè macchiato or espresso macchiato, I am met with surprise, and then I have to explain what it is. Usually the second attempt comes with two shots of espresso (good!) and a large cup filled with milk (bad!) If I ask for a third attempt, and translate it very carefully into the correct ingredients and ratio, it tends to come topped with about 3-5cm of foam.

Very sad indeed that the large, worldwide coffee chain can no longer make such a simple drink. I recall in the early days of Starbucks expansion when they had the pictures on the wall, showing the correct ratio of espresso to milk to foam in the various drinks. Now it all seems to be about whipped cream, syrups, cold blended drinks, and not about the basics.