Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with more info residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, bar mastersons Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .