Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of here misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . 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 appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she mastersons bar moonee ponds seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .