Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors mastersons bar moonee ponds have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
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 unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the more info bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is mastersons bar a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .