A surprisingly enjoyable and good value night out, the stadium has a down-at-heel air but you can still have a lot of fun. Watching the 'professionals' (dog racers, bookies and gamblers) is at least as fun as watching the races themselves, and for those of us who aren't inclined to wager next month's rent on a dog, the bookies are cheerfully accomodating of the unknowledgeable idiot placing tiny bets and asking which one is their dog, anyway.
The food is pretty dire, but the drinks are fairly priced. The bar is remeniscent of a greasy spoon caff, all screwed down stained formica and ripped vinyl cushioning. The best atmosphere is to be had out on the stands, but even in summer it feels chilly, so wrap up warm.
There is usually a small picket of animal rights campaigners at the entrance, the extent to which you may agree with them depends on who you listen to, but it is worth reading up on the subject and making up your own mind. If you do decide to pay a visit, the protestors do not intrude, merely making their presence known as you pass. read more
