There's a joke in the Hitch Hiker's Guide second radio series about an economy being choked to death by the rampant expansion of Shoe shops. It was a sketch of its time (early 80s) - but, having walked around Brecon, Powys (Southern Wales, UK) it could be updated and estate agents used instead. How many does a small market town need? What goes through the heads of a planning committee?
1 x WH Smiths - check
1 x Woolworths - check
1 x Tourist tat and hippy candles shop - check
1 x Butcher - check
1 x Baker - check
6 x Estate Agents - Marvelous!
A quick tip: if you are walking around Powys, especially on a Sunday morning, keep looking down. There's an incredible amount of regurgitated food on the pavements. A shame really because, puddles of chewed food and estate agents aside, it's a pretty place.
One last thing: be careful with the "gastro-pubs" in the general Brecon area. The foods okay (not brilliant, better than a grotty pub, but not brilliant) but, unlike the prices, not up to London levels. In fact, one of the pubs (named after a Royally protected species of white water fowl) appeared to be cooking from a Delia book my mum used in the 70's.
On the plus side - if you want a B&B that thinks it's a luxury hotel (and looks and behaves like one) then try the Canal Bank. Faultless execution. It has the added bonus of a driveway like no other: you drive along the canal bank before attempting a 90 degree left hander to get into the back car parking area. If you don't know the width and length of your vehicle to the nearest 1/4" then get a taxi. Personally I loved it!
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