steviedeluxe

In the UK I sometimes go to Nandos. Oh, and find M&S cafeterias to be quite good value. Pret a Manger aren't too bad in the sandwich line (if a little pricey). I admit to occasionally using Wetherspoons too (but only if opting for a sandwich or fish with chips - can't mess those up)
In Spain I liked Patatins (a Madrid chain), and if I was stuck VIPS or the El Corte Ingles cafeteria. Also I found Gambrinus wasn't bad, although I've read some here who don't like the place.

jackytoo

That's difficult even chains vary. eg. I like Nandos but the one in Kingston-Upon-Thames is far superior to the one in Guildford. I like Nandos as it is very social and the music is good. KFC have not tried around here yet but the one in the Den Haag Netherlands was super because of this tried the one in marbella wasn't so good, soggy batter. Sometimes we eat in Cafe Rouge which is just about ok. but not good value for money and Zizzis is ok. but have had good and not so good. Not so many chains on the CDS. There was one businessman in marbella that owned about 6 restaurants, very overpriced and not great...he was a friend of the old Mayor Jesus Gil.

steviedeluxe

Just remembered I tried Harry Ramsdens for fish n chips, a few years back. It was quite good, iirc. Closest one to me now is Euston station - I shall have to seek it out.

jackytoo

That's a good example. Had Harry Ramsdens at one place and they were just ok. Popped down to Bournemouth recently and had them for lunch they were great. Only had a small fish and wished I had a large one.

My one big hate is Costa coffee and Starbucks...their pastries suck.

steviedeluxe

If I fancy a coffee in central London I'll normally seek out a Pret-a-Manger or Eat! - coffee's a lot cheaper there, and normally decent if nothing special. Tourists seem to swarm to the likes of Starbucks though - I suppose it's because they know what they'll be getting.

jackytoo

Hate to get into the coffee scene again But, have just had a week in Sorrento, The average price for an Americano or cappuchino was 3 to 4 euro. An expresso was 2 euro except in some back street snack bars (where you wouldn't bother) only cost 80 cents. Beer was about 4 euro and a litre jug of wine was 12 euro. Overall a lot more expensive than Spain but as Cricketman said you do get a better class of (British) tourist. Food was quite inexpensive, had some superb pasta dishes for 9 euro.

Lynn R

I like Pret a Manger and try to have lunch there one day when I go back to the UK. Can't stand any of the coffee chains, the coffee always tastes bitter to me and I balk at paying that much for a coffee compared to what it costs here. I've never tried Nando's but might have to give it a try as many people say it's good. KFC is just horrible.

In Zaragoza earlier this year we went to an Italian chain restaurant called La Mafia, according to their website they have branches in a few cities including Granada. It was really good, and the portions were enormous. I've been to a couple of Gambrinus branches, in Malaga and the local one but don't rate them.

megmet

The nearest we get is El Corte Ingles cafeteria or the one in Ikea, though I wouldn't but furniture from there.
Mostly I guess it's the cafe in Iceland, where we go once a month to shop for beef, gammon and.....cat milk.

lovingthesun

Never knew you could milk a cat

pwwm

How awfully British, personally like cafe bar Fefi in Albuñol.

Fred James

That's a food/drink chain is it?

fionamw

Actually, since someone mentioned Ikea I feel I must put in a for their breakfast - desayuno mediterraneo as opposed to anything else - which for a reasonable-sized pitufo, slice of jamon, tomato (little sachet thing) olive oil (ditto), and coffee (refills free) is €1 yes you read that right. And it's not half bad. Given they open at 9 (store opens 10) you can get in, get breakfast down you and get out BEFORE the horrendous Ikea sheepwalk round the store starts!

megmet

And lunch....delicious lamb shank for less than 5€, cannot be beaten!
And if you know the shortcut around Ikea.....

lovingthesun

Always handy to know Meg

megmet

I'm glad it worked for you too!