Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. click here As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.