My wife used Three a while ago and hated them. They may be better now, but I don't know.
I've used EE, O2, and Plusnet, and I've been happiest with EE and Plusnet. Plusnet has the cheapest plans I've found, and they use EE's network, and I've rarely had a problem with coverage.
As Jimbo says, Carphone Warehouse can help point you in the right direction. In my experience, it helps if you have an idea what you want when you go in, as it seems to focus them and they won't try to upsell you a bunch of crap you don't want/need.