Coffee

The Backpacker had a bit at The Age online about the quality of coffee around the world. Apparently, some of the better nations for getting a decent cup of Joe include Italy as well as a few spots in Southeast Asia (Vietnam and Malaysia) and South America (Argentina). Those nations more notorious for coffee include the UK and, of course, the good ol' USA (although in defence of the USA, what it lacks in quality, it makes up in quantity).

The single best place (allegedly) for coffee in the world: Melbourne, Australia. But this is coming from an Aussie, and if you're looking for a coffee snob, you'll be guaranteed to find one in Melbourne.

Starbucks

The coffee giant, Starbucks appears to be losing the coffee wars in the Antipodes, with the hot beverage retailer announcing the closure of 61 of its stores in Australia. Outlets in Adelaide, Brisbane and Canberra will evaporate, leaving only Melbourne and Sydney to hold the line.