Once you have the judgement, transfer it to the High Court, and get their bailiffs onto it. They won't stop at anything short of a 12 bore, and the costs mount up fast. It could cost them another £1,500 in enforcement, on top of your debt
Not true for small claims (up to £5k from memory). I just had a judgement for £1,200 against someone. It cost £55 to issue the warrant and have the county court bailiffs go round.
For the amount involved, I would certainly take a punt on a small claims action. Your costs are likely no more than £200 for claim, judgment & warrant. It won't go near a High Court.