In the Small Claims cases I've been involved with, I was under the impression that the defendant can choose the place for the hearing.
Correct; a common ploy by a defendant is to get the case moved to an office of their choosing - as far away from you as they can arrange, in the hope of encouraging you to give up. Last time it happened to me I started off my response to their letter advising me of this along the lines of "I look forward to having a day out in London at your expense". Don't know if this swung it but they caved in and paid up.
Cheers
UFO