September 2010 by James C.
This William Hill is one of the more sanitary betting shops around Cardiff. If you've ever seen the episode of Black Books called "A Little Flutter", where Bernard becomes a gambling addict, you'll know exactly the kind of shop this place somehow avoids melting into. There's not a smart suited hustler in sight, and yardies need not apply. I think this is largely due to the population; being so close to studentland has the benefit of ensuring that most of the clientele are football loving student lads out to try their hand at getting some free money. And, what's more, the students are all booted off back home when their three years are up so they don't have the chance to become booze ravaged gambling addicts, desperate for that one big score. And, because the local population of the Cathays area is 75% student and 25% elderly people, the rest of the clientele are quiet old men and old ladies out for a little flutter. It's actually quite a charming little dichotomy this shop has.