Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. additional reading Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and website raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.