Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are check it out completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as check here. disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , at this website Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .