Graham Hill is a British pool & billiards lover and co-owner of Hustlers Bangkok who has been in Thailand since 2010. Apart from winning one or two tournaments in Hustlers, in 2014 he also managed to win two frames in a very friendly 9 ball game with Thorsten Hoffman, one of Europe’s best players. In this interview he shares with us his passion for cue sports.
When did you first start playing pool and how did you get hooked?
I first started playing pool over 30 years ago back in the UK. My local bar was in a pool league and I joined and I became hooked. Very soon I was running the team!
What makes pool a great sport to play?
Pool is a great sport to play because anyone of any age, any size, any nationality and really any ability level can play and have fun! Also it doesn’t require any great need to be in shape like most sports, which certainly suits us expats.
When and why did you open a pool and billiards sport bar in Bangkok?
I didn’t actually open the bar, it was already there for 3 years. It was up for sale in 2013 as the owner wanted to retire. I fell in love with the place (and also one of the staff who is now my wife), so I wasn’t going to let my pool sanctuary fall into someone else’s hands. So, I bought it! Its a bit like that Remington Guy, who liked the close shave he got from his electric razor so much, he bought the company! Maybe I am showing my age here…
What are some of the struggles of opening a business in Thailand? What are the benefits?
The main struggle is the new bars opening up. Bangkok seems to have quite a few places to play pool and a limited community of residential players. So competition is tight! This means we have to be on top of our game to provide the best service, best pool tables and best prices. On the positive side, we get to make so many friends of all nationalities. Pool is loved by every nation. It’s a great sport for meeting friends old and new!
What is the sports bar “scene” like in Bangkok?
It’s competitive! There are quite a few bars out there. Each bar has some different angle. For us it’s the friendly staff, the cosy warm atmosphere and the quality of the tables which are always kept in tip top condition. It’s the best pool hall for sure.
What three basic tips would you give to beginner players?
Hold the cue gently, keep your head still always, stroke the ball (don’t stab it) and never take it too serious. It’s just a game – remember!
What’s the poll and billiards scene like in Thailand compare to back home?
I think it’s just as busy here as it is back in England. We have a healthy Monday and Wednesday pool league run by the Bangkok Pool League which has over 25 bars and has both Thai and Expat players.
We also run our own famous (best run in Bangkok) Sunday competitions. On alternate Sundays we do a 9 or sometimes 10 ball handicap competition and on the other Sunday we will do a scotch doubles competition (two players who take alternative shots).
In addition, The Bangkok Pool League is involved in an international competition – Asia Expat Pool which is hosted in different countries each year and pits the very best expat players from Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand against each other. Thailand has won it every year so far and I can tell you it is a very keenly fought competition!
Who plays pool at Hustlers Bangkok?
We have customers from all walks of life and all nationalities. Pool is enjoyed everywhere. We have every European nationality playing, plus Chinese, Thai, Korean, Japanese and, of course, the Philippines who have such strong players. Our pool hall is so welcoming, we see couples, group parties, families, friends and tourists. Who doesn’t love pool??
Tell us more details about Hustlers Bangkok…
Our bar is over 380 sqm and has 11 full size Brunswick pool tables, which are maintained to the highest standards, using championship cloth. We have 9 big TV screens showing all the latest sports action from around the world and a modern big projector screen showing the latest music videos.
The atmosphere in Hustlers is very warm and relaxed. It’s like a home away from home with lovely decorations, brick feature walls and fully carpeted throughout. The staff at Hustlers Bangkok are always helpful and friendly. Our beautiful girls will look after the customer when playing pool and they will provide the absolute best table service. Our girls also love their pool as much as the customers do and would be happy to challenge them for a game or maybe a drink or two! But beware these girls can be very good players.
Hustlers is a place where customers can come alone, come with friends and family, come to have fun, and come to make new friends. Customers can also join our weekly Sunday competitions or just relax have a drink and watch sports.
How do you manage to attract new people?
Hustlers Bangkok is a perfect oasis in the center of bustling Bangkok. Right now, Hustlers has probably the best happy hour promotion in Bangkok! All local bottle beer (Heineken, San Miguel, San Miguel Light, Tiger, Tiger Light and Leo) are only 60 baht per bottle from 11.00AM until 7.00PM. Pool is also half price from 11:00am until 5:00pm.
How can pool and billiards lovers find you?
We are so easy to find. Hustlers Bangkok us situated in the heart of Sukhumvit Road near Asoke BTS Sky Train and Terminal 21 Shopping Mall. We are literally just a short two minute walk. You will find us in the basement of Times Square Building, which is right next to the Sheraton Hotel.
Meantime catch us on Facebook to see what we have been up to and keep track of the upcoming events.
