Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this review mastersons bar so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have article reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit at this website approval adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .