We have this theory here at Bar Code that an activity, no matter how athletic or competitive, cannot be classified as a sport if it does not satisfy these two conditions: it must involve two teams and a ball, and the spectator's experience of it is greatly enhanced by beer.Motorsport is therefore a contradiction in terms, but footie and cricket are obviously in, as is women's beach volleyball.Pool, despite the presence of several balls on the table and a bunch of rules tacked up on the wall near the cigarette machine, is definitely not a sport.Pool halls tend to be cavernous, obviously, with all those tables - and Stones, a scruffy franchised spot in Lower Main Road, Observatory, is no exception.It's a huge, first floor, high-ceilinged room with low-hanging lighting over the green baize and a bar in the middle.It's been a while, however, since we've been inside a pool hall and making our entrance we can remember why. Because they're so big, decor is a bit of a challenge and they tend to lack character.Here they've just slapped grey industrial paint on the walls and hung some large porny Japanese cartoon posters.The drink, though, is dirt cheap - especially if you're into double brandies and vodkas with sticky stuff. Avoid the wine, which is dreadful.It is the booze, obviously, that brings in the punters and the joint lurches into party mode at the drop of a hat.DJs crank it out until the early hours.One big plus is the long balcony, which overlooks Lower Main Road. It's a bit like being at a pavement cafe - but one storey above the pavement - and it's excellent for late afternoon chilling.84-94 Lower Main Road, Observatory, 021-448-9461, daily 1pm to 4am (2am Sundays)..